Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi cast his vote in Jorhat town, where State assembly polls are on in the first phase on Monday and expressed confidence that Congress would form the government for the third straight time.
Accompanied by his wife Dolly and son Gaurav, Mr. Gogoi exercised his franchise at Debicharan Barooah Girls High School polling station where Union Minister Bijoy Krishna Handique and Gogoi’s brother Dip Gogoi, an MLA, also exercised their chance.
As on earlier occasions, Mr. Gogoi offered prayers at a temple, mosque and church before reaching the polling station at around 10 a.m. sporting a red vermilion mark on his forehead.
Later, he told newsmen “We (Congress) will get absolute majority of 63 seats, even more than last time. People are happy with our work ... They are supporting and blessing us as we have put the State on the path of development.”
“Our prospects are very good and bright. Peoples’ response is very good because of our good governance, restoration of peace and stepping up of development activities.”
“We will form the government on our own this time. Our alliance with the BPF (Bodoland Peoples Front) is also there”, he said in response to a question whether Congress would form government in alliance with BPF.
Asked to comment on the fight put up by opposition AGP and BJP, the Chief Minister said, “They are a confused lot and they have admitted that neither can form government on their own.”
To queries whether he would head the government for the third term, Mr. Gogoi said the decision would be taken by the party high command in consultation with the elected legislators.
Union minister for Development of North East Region (DONER) Bijoy Krishna Handique after casting his ballot said, “It will be a hat-trick for Congress and we will form the government on our own.”
