Campaign for second phase Assam polls ends

09 April, Guwahati

The campaign for second and final phase of Assam Assembly election came to an end with all political parties out to woo voters.

Sixty one constituencies in central and western parts of the state will go to the polls on April 11.

Two time former chief minister Prafulla Mahanta of AGP (Barhampur), BJP leader Dr Himanta Biswa Sharma (Jalukbari), AIUDF supremo Badruddin Ajmal (South Salmara), Ananta Deka of CPI(M) (Rangiya), state Cabinet minister Rakibul Hussain (Samaguri) are among important candidates in the second phase.

Seeking to form its maiden government in the state, the BJP brought in its star campaigners to pitch for the party.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had toured the state for two days while campaigning for the first phase polls, returned for the second phase too.

He started his campaign for the second phase by paying obeisance before goddess Kamakhya at the shaktipeeth here.

BJP national president Amit Shah toured the state twice to campaign in the second phase, while among other star campaigners for the BJP were union ministers Rajnath Singh and Smriti Irani.

BJP’s state president Sarbananda Sonowal and leader Dr Himanta B Sharma also campaigned for the BJP-led alliance, which has regional Asom Gana Parishad, Bodoland People’s Front and Tiwa and Rabha bodies as its partners.

For ruling Congress, targeting fourth straight term, national president Sonia Gandhi campaigned in the state.

Vice-president Rahul Gandhi toured the state twice to campaign for the party. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and state president Anjan Dutta were other leaders that campaigned for the Congress.

Badruddin Ajmal led the campaign for All India United Democratic Front, while BPF chief Hagrama Mohilary was among the main campaigners for the party.

Bollywood actor Rakhi Sawant also made an appearance during second phase campaign, wooing voters for Republican Party of India (A).

The first phase polling in 65 constituencies was conducted on April 4. Counting of votes will take place on May 19.