Assam BJP’s target: Add 650,000 new members

GUWAHATI: The ruling BJP has set a target of adding 650,000 members in Assam to bolster its existing strength of 3.3 million members in the state. The party is eyeing major inroads into areas with significant presence of Muslims and tribals, according to people with knowledge of the matter. A state-wide month-long membership will be launched in July, said BJP members.

“We are spreading our arms to major sections of society. We are working for sabka sath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas (collective efforts, inclusive growth, inclusive confidence),” state BJP spokesman Swapnanil Baruah said. In the recent Lok Sabha polls, the BJP won nine out of the 10 seats it contested in the state . Assam has 14 Lok Sabha seats, four of which were contested by BJP’s allies as part of their share. While Congress won minority dominated Nagaon and Barpeta seats, another minority dominated seat of Dhubri was retained by the All India United Democratic Front. BJP’s ally, Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), lost the Kokrajhar seat for a second time to an independent candidate.

A senior BJP leader told ET that in the 2021 assembly polls, the party together with its allies is targeting to win 100 out 126 seats. “In order to make it a reality, we need to bring in minority voters, who account for 25 seats,” said the leader. “While we have made a strong organisation base in the hill areas of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao and wrested the one Lok Sabha seat which includes the two hill districts, we need to build our base in Bodoland. Bodoland accounts for roughly 12 assembly seats.”