Bullet proof car for BJP’s chief ministerial candidate Sarbananda Sonowal in Assam

GUWAHATI: A security measure generally accorded to high profile politician having threat perception, BJP’s chief ministerial candidate Sarbananda Sonowal is provided with bullet proof car.

Sonowal who is party’s state unit president and candidate in Majuli constituency is third politician in Assam after chief minister Tarun Gogoi and former chief minister, Prafulla Kumar Mahanta to have a bullet proof car.

Sonowal is also the union minister of sports. The two phase assembly polls is already over and counting of ballots is on May 19.

A senior police officer in the special branch of the Assam police told ET, “Sonowal is the chief ministerial candidate and candidate from Majuli constituency .

We have identified Majuli constituency as sensitive for in past Majuli has witnessed insurgency activities and this is one reason which Sonowal is provided with bullet proof car right from the time of campaigning. There is however no specific threat against Sonowal.”

Sonowal however told media persons that he is not aware as why he is provided with the car. “The government has provided the bullet proof car.”

Anti-talk faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (Ulfa) under defiant commander in chief Paresh Baruah in the run up to the polls has criticized Sonowal. Anti-talk ULFA in a statement, has criticized the BJP and Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) alliance.