Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janta Party has found roots in the northeast after their coalition managed to grab 86 out of 126 seats in the Assam state legislature. Knocking Congress right off its feet in the one state it has enjoyed monopoly until recently, Sarbananda Sonowal swore in as the chief minister of the first ever BJP government in Assam.
The National Democratic Alliance secured an absolute majority with the BJP claiming 60 seats, AGP 14 and BPF 12, while the Congress seats were reduced to a petty 26. Arrangements of the swearing-in were one of its kind and the occasion was flagged by the Prime Minister himself, BJP stalwart L.K. Advani, party president Amit Shah, Union Ministers and several other chief ministers. Former chief minister Gogoi, who was extended an invitation by Sonowal, played sport and also marked his presence.
The win comes after a vehement campaigning focused on curbing the flow of Muslim immigrants in the region. Taking charge of the reins of Assam will help the party balance and regain its momentum after it recorded shameful defeat in Delhi and Bihar last year.
Even as Sonowal's priorities remain hazy, he has openly been saying that the BJP remains committed to fulfilling its promises including its Vision Document for Assam that issued instead of a traditional manifesto before the elections. Given the statement, it is assumed that his immediate step will be to take some concrete measures on the influx of Bangladeshi migrants. The party promised to form a government of indigenous people and said the state government would work closely with the Centre for the "complete sealing" of the Indo-Bangla border. It has also vouched for a law to "deal sternly" with industries, businesses, small and medium enterprises or any other agencies employing infiltrators.
Speaking at the ceremony, Modi said, "Assam is a focal point for the development of North-east. I urge the people of Assam to also work along with the government for the development of the state. I have always stressed that India's growth should be balanced and all inclusive, for this, the north-east has to develop as well." The leader praised Sonowal saying, "A leader belonging to the tribal community, a leader dedicated to serving society will now be the CM of Assam. I am sure he will work tirelessly for the progress of Assam. I want to assure you that the government at the centre believes in competitive federalism. We want all states to progress, and we are working for it."
The win has distinctively boosted the national party's confidence and it now targets the other two Congress-led states, Manipur and Meghalaya, where the polls are scheduled to be held in 2017 and 2018.
Assembly elections held in four states and one union territory this month, saw two powerful women leaders rise back in power and, two other historic wins.
Tamil Nadu
Former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa stormed back to power by popular demand in the south Indian state. Making her the first Tamil Nadu chief minister in 32 years to be voted back to the seat, Amma's AIADMK clinched a record 134 seats, with a vote share of 40.8 per cent. The party leader won in her Dr Radhakrisha Nagar constituency.
West Bengal
Mamata Banerjee's decisive victory in the assembly elections was registered with the second highest vote share by the Trinamool Congress in history- 44.9 per cent against Congress' 49.1 per cent in 1972. Didi will now rule for a second term with the second largest majority of seats ever obtained by a single party or coalition- 71.77 per cent against Congress' 77.14 per cent for the Congress in 1972.
Kerala
Routing back to power, the Left Democratic Front established anti-incumbency in Oommen Chandy's Kerala as CPM-led LDP was elected to power in the May 16 assembly polls. CPM politburo member Pinarayi Vijayan who will be sworn in as chief minister on May 25, will have a leaner cabinet of 19 members as said by LDF convener Vaikom Viswan. Of the 19 ministers, CPI(M) will have 12, CPI four, Janata Dal(S), NCP and Cong(S) one each, Viswan said. Other minor parties, which support LDF from outside, including Kerala Congress(B) and RSP(L), which have won one seat each, will not get a berth. While the Speaker’s post will go to CPI(M), deputy speaker’s post will be held by CPI.
Puducherry
Failing to make a mark in any of the states, Congress won the union territory in a result that was more insult to injury. Out of the 30 assembly seats, the party won 15 and its ally DMK two. Quick on their feet, the BJP government appointed candidate and former IPS officer Kiran Bedi as the Lt General, in a move criticised by several political leaders.
