Cong confident of forming next govt in Asom

Guwahati, Apr 11 (UNI) Asom Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bhubaneswar Kalita today said congress would form the next government in the state with absolute majority.

''However,we will be happy to respond positively to offer of support from other parties which believe in Congress' policy, ideals of democracy and secularism,'' Mr Kalita told newsmen here.

The second and final phase of polls in the state got over yesterday. The first phase ended on April 3.

''It is only the Congress which can give a stable and effective government capable of fulfilling the people's aspirations,'' Mr Kalita asserted.

Thanking the people for participating in the polls peacefully, he assured them that their aspirations would be fulfilled by the Congress as it had been done in the past.

The APCC chief further said the increase in polling percentage proves that the people had come out fearlessly unlike in previous polls, which also testifies to the better law and order situation in the state.

Mr Kalita further claimed that the Congress and the Asom government had adopted pro-people policies.

Speaking on the improved law and order situation he said during the last elections in the state 51 persons had lost their lives against only one this time.

On the question of reported erosion of minority votes he said that minorities' faith in the Congress had not waned even after the formation of Asom United Democratic Front by minority leader Baddrudin Azmal.

To a question he said, ''as of now nobody had contended for the post of party leader. The elected members will select the CLP leader in due course.'' He said, he too was an aspirant.

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