By IANS,
Jorhat (Assam) : Winning the hearts of the people is the key to electoral success, says union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers Bijoy Krishna Handique as he bids for six straight terms as MP from Assam’s Jorhat constituency.
“There is no magic formula or other secret in winning elections. I think winning the hearts of the people and working sincerely and with utmost dedication is the key to my electoral success,” Handique told IANS.
The 65-year-old veteran Congress leader from the tea growing district of Jorhat in eastern Assam has been representing the Jorhat parliamentary seat since 1991.
“I won the seat in the last five Lok Sabha elections and, with the love and support of the people, I hope to win the elections for the sixth straight term,” the usually reticent lawmaker said.
“I don’t think anti-incumbency would work against me as I know the people of my constituency love me and value my good work for the area.”
He became minister of state for defence and parliamentary affairs in 2004 and since 2006 has been holding the portfolio as minister of state for chemicals and fertilisers in the Manmohan Singh led United Progressive Alliance government.
He was elected as legislator in 1972 and has become synonymous with Jorhat during his nearly four decades in politics.
“In every election, rival candidates would try and damage your poll prospects… what I want is fair play so that the elections are fought in the spirit of the game,” Handique said.
Already plunging headlong in mobilising support for the elections, Handique is busy holding meetings in his constituency.
“Development is my poll plank and I have a vision to do something for the people and my constituency,” he said.
A Congress Working Committee (CWC) member, Handique is a respected party leader in Assam with his trump card being his non controversial and clean image.
“Working sincerely is the key and I believe in doing something for the state and the country.”
Handique’s main rival this time would be Kamakhya Prasad Tassa from the Bharatiya Janata Party – a fairly new face compared to the stature of the veteran Congress parliamentarian.