ANANYA BORGOHAIN speaks to veteran journalist Radhika Mohan Bhagawati, Editor of Dainik Asom, and Dileep Chandan, Editor, Asom Bani, about what lies ahead for the BJP in North-East after the historic victory in Assam
The BJP victory in Assam signifies a major political shift in the State. Could this be the litmus test for the BJP to lay the ground for other North-Eastern StatesIJ
Radhika Mohan Bhagawati: The Congress, even when it was in power nationally, failed to look at the eastern part of the country beyond Kolkata. The lack of development in the North-East led to collective resentment towards the party. Several issues cropped up over time, from militancy to the unexpected, draconian rule of the AFSPA. Now, people want a complete change of political strategy. As the BJP comes to power, the people of Assam are hoping for political pragmatism. As far as the other States of the North-East are concerned, one can be hopeful of more development in the region. Maybe BJP’s Assam victory can set an example for all.
Dileep Chandan: There has been an anti-incumbency wave in the State for a while now. It was not only political but was also resonating among the common people at a more sociological level. There were grievances of 15 years. The Assamese people felt being taken for granted by the Government with their lackadaisical attitude. Therefore, a change not only became urgent but also almost imminent. This victory is not only political, but also psychological. At the same time, I must also add that people do not have blind faith upon the BJP but they desire a change in power hoping that a new Government could finally channelise their aspirations and bring progress into the country. I would find it difficult to generalise if this sense of change would apply to the other North-Eastern States as well. You see, their problems and concerns are different, their requirements may vary accordingly.
Why was winning Assam so important for not just the BJP but also for PM Narendra Modi and Amit ShahIJ
Radhika Mohan Bhagawati: I think it is more of a victory of Modi and Shah’s intentions than their personal gain. They can now strategise for inclusive development and be a medium of propagating national aspirations.
Dileep Chandan: Well, because this is the first victory for Modi-Shah after a series of failures. They have won with majority and they needed this. All Assam wants from them now is to deliver their promises. To cite an example, the BJP connected with most in the State because of their approach to the issue of illegal immigration. That has been a profound discord in the State historically, so it remains to be seen where things go from here.
The party made remarkable allies in the AGP and BPF. Was Himanta Biswa Sarma a masterstroke for the BJPIJ
Radhika Mohan Bhagawati: The regional parties allied for a shared cause. If the promises of development are delivered, it would benefit everyone. On May 19 when the result was out, Biswajit Daimary said in an interview, “If the promises made to Bodoland and its issues are fulfilled by the BJP, we wouldn’t call for sovereignty from the State.” This may be his personal opinion but it is a major paradigm shift and hence the BJP should be this agency of change.
Himanta, on the other hand, was a primary force in this win. It seems like he had to face reality some day and he did after segregating from the Congress. He is a people’s representative in the party now. At the same time, the BJP should know that people of Assam are now twice as alert, specially the younger generation, and they will not tolerate being duped by the Government any more.
Dileep Chandan: I will say that it’s more for political gain than for the sake of a shared ideology. This may not have happened in Bengal, Tamil Nadu or Kerala, but Assam was always a possibility. There were many causes for which alliances can be formed in this region. Besides the issue of migration, there are also the border conflicts with China, Myanmar, and so on. The allies took up the common issues to join forces and eventually surged past the Congress and AIUDF.
Himanta Biswa Sarma, of course, was the key element in this journey to success. He’s intelligent and a sharp political assessor. His strategies have worked and his contribution is clearly visible in the victory.
What is the mood of the people in the StateIJ
Radhika Mohan Bhagawati: People are at the moment quite happy with the outcome. They are happily bidding the Congress goodbye. At the same time, it is up to the regional parties to see that this euphoric ambience is sustained through consistent hard work and efficient results.
Dileep Chandan: People are hopeful now. They want to see the change they aspire for. They are finally trying something new and are ready to estimate if their evaluation of the BJP was correct. Sarbananda Sonowal, however, should also realise that it is not as if the people are extreme supporters of the party. They are still speculating if this was the right alternative and hence development should be the BJP’s primary agenda.
ananyapioneer@gmail.com