Assam polls: How Sarbananda Sonowal played up identity and development issues to script the biggest win for BJP in the east

GUWAHATI: As a student leader, Sarbananda Sonowal earned the sobriquet 'Jati Nayak’, Hero of Race, and as things stand now, there is little that can stop him from becoming the next CM of Assam.

Always in the thick of action, Sonowal was president of the powerful students body, All Assam Students Union, from 1992 to 1999. But, his career reached new heights in 2005 when, acting on his petition, the SC scrapped Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunal) Act, 1983 (IMDT). This earned him the title "Jati Nayak’.

Sonowal began his innings with the BJP after quitting the regional party, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), in 2011. Under his leadership, BJP won 7 seats in 2014 parliamentary polls, 3 more than in 2009, in Assam. He won from Lakhimpur Lok Sabha seat and was made Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and minister for Youth Affairs and Sports. However, later he was divested of skill development ministry amid speculation that he was not able to perform.

After electoral debacles in Bihar and Delhi, BJP made quick amends and made Sonowal state unit president and the chief ministerial face in Assam. BJP had positioned him as youth leader.

In a symbolic gesture, Sonowal contested from river island of Majuli which represents the Vashnavite culture and has won. He campaigned across the length and breadth of Assam and kept on repeating that this election is the Battle of Sariaghat, a 1671 battle in which the Mughals were defeated by the local Ahoms.

Sonowal’s talk of "government of indigenous people" helped BJP connect with locals and make identity and illegal influx major issues during the election.

Sonowal had good connect with tribal bodies and managed to attract student and tribal leaders to BJP which helped in enhancing the profile of the Saffron party in the state.

Being the leader of largest student body helped him attract youth, many of whom voluntarily assisted BJP once he was declared the chief ministerial candidate.

Central leaders including Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah had reposed faith in Sonowal. In election rallies, Modi said, "Sabka Anand, Sarbananda" (for everyone one’s pleasure, bring Sarbananda).

Sonowal was able to relate with Hindi speaking and Bengali Hindu community. These traditional BJP’s support base stood with him despite Congress campaign that Sonowal will overlook the interest of Hindu Bengalis.

Sonowal stated that sealing the Indo-Bangla border to check illegal infiltration will be top priority of the BJP government in Assam. He has assured that bonafide Indian citizens will be protected.

He also promised to prioritise preparation of the NRC (National Register of Citizens).