Guwahati: Senior AICC leaders overseeing the Assam elections met on Saturday to finalise Congress’s strategy for counting day, with Assam election co-incharge and Karnataka deputy CM DK Shivakumar, saying the party is on alert to “protect its candidates” from alleged BJP “mischief”.After the closed-door meeting at a city hotel, Shivakumar told reporters that BJP, fearing defeat, is trying to reach out to opposition candidates. He claimed BJP MLAs and ministers have lost confidence in their prospects. “Some of them are trying to approach our leaders, candidates and associates,” he said.Shivakumar said party leaders and candidates reviewed the situation and were issued instructions for counting day. “We all have come here to meet all of us, and we have given them directions on how to handle the election counting day. We know that the official machinery will be misused and thus we have guided them on what has to be done,” he said.“Today I am very proud that my entire team of Assam is strong, united and confident,” Shivakumar said, adding that he does not believe in exit polls and that the party’s internal survey indicates a win.He said separate war rooms and legal teams will operate from Delhi and Guwahati during counting. “Our general secretary will be here. All will be on alert here and will see that we protect our candidates because we know that they do lots of mischief. They have already tried to approach us. They are in the fear of losing this election and thus trying to approach our people,” Shivakumar said, without naming anyone.Shivakumar said voters want change and claimed the BJP-led govt’s freebies did not help because they were not given to those who did not identify with BJP. He alleged many voters therefore quietly voted against BJP and its allies.The six-party United Opposition Forum — Congress, Assam Jatiya Parishad, Raijor Dal, All Party Hill Leaders Conference, CPM and CPI-ML (Liberation) — said it is confident of winning a majority in the 126-member Assam Assembly.Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi said people across Lower Assam, Upper Assam, Barak Valley and the hill districts voted for a new govt. “Collectively we all parties must be ready to ensure that the votes are counted neutrally,” he said, calling exit polls predicting a BJP win a confusion created by the BJP.Gaurav said the opposition must resist any attempt to “steal the mandate” during counting. Before the meeting, he said, “We have already raised several complaints in the past, none of which have been acted upon. Only thanks to the acute preparations of the Congress party that we managed to block many efforts of the BJP workers. Therefore we have been telling our candidates to be vigilant.”AICC general secretary and Assam incharge Jitendra Singh said Congress fought strongly despite adverse conditions. He alleged BJP used money power and intimidation and that govt employees were pressured by the ruling party.Raijor Dal president Akhil Gogoi said the opposition alliance would cross the majority mark of 64. “People this time have voted decisively to defeat BJP. We will win 70 plus seats and Gaurav Gogoi will be our chief minister,” he said.AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi said, “The Assam CM’s body language says it all. BJP will face a heavy defeat.” He cited turnout of over 85%, youth frustration and divisions within the BJP as factors that could unseat the BJP-led govt.APHLC president JI Kathar said many BJP workers voted for the opposition.
