Assam’s regional political parties, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland Peoples’ Front (BPF) have decided to extend their support to National Democratic Alliance (NDA)’s Presidential candidate, Ram Nath Kovind.
The two regional political parties, which are the partners of the BJP led Government in Assam, said this on Tuesday and appealed to the other political parties in the State to support Kovind considering his distinguished political career.
“BJP’s national president, Amit Shah has before the announcement of Presidential candidate discussed with AGP and BPF,” said Assam Health and Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma while addressing the newsmen on Tuesday. The Press conference was also addressed by the AGP leader and State Water Resource Minister Keshav Mahanta and senior BPF leader Biswajit Daimary.
“Shah has talked to even the smallest party in northeast India and sought their support for NDA’s nominee. This also shows the democratic spirit of the party,” Sarma, who is also the convener of the BJP led North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) said while adding that the ruling alliance in Assam also appeals to all the 126 legislators in Assam to cast their votes for the NDA
candidate
“Assam Chief Minister, Parliamentary Affairs Minister will request all the 126 MlAs to support Kovind, who also represents the backward community,” Sarma said adding that the Assam Chief Minister will be present during the nomination filling of Kovind.
It may be mentioned here that although the AGP and BPF were partners in the Dispur, the AGP and BJP had contested the recently concluded election to sixth schedule area, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) leading to speculation that there is a rift among the parties.