DK Shivakumar Visits Assam Ahead of Assembly Election Results
Shivakumar's Mission in Assam
On Saturday, Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister and prominent Congress figure, DK Shivakumar, arrived in Assam. He stated that his primary objective is to protect legislators from potential bribery attempts ahead of the vote counting scheduled for May 4. Speaking to a news agency in Guwahati, Shivakumar expressed, "I am here to safeguard my legislators, guide them, and support the party. They are safe today and tomorrow." He is in the state alongside former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel to meet with Congress candidates, as the party eagerly anticipates the results of this crucial election.
Political Stability Amidst Uncertainty
Shivakumar, known for his role in hotel politics aimed at preventing defections during political crises, appeared confident about keeping Congress legislators united. His visit comes amid speculations regarding post-election political maneuvering and the potential for legislators to switch allegiances. The Deputy Chief Minister dismissed exit polls predicting an easy victory for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
He remarked, "I do not trust any exit polls, whether they favor us or not. The sample size for these polls is small, so I have my own assessments." When asked about the opposition's prospects in West Bengal and Assam, Shivakumar asserted that the INDIA bloc will form the government in the states where elections have taken place.
Confidence in Congress's Future
Shivakumar expressed strong confidence in his party's workers, stating, "They are fully assured that the Congress alliance will come to power. I trust my leaders and the voters of Assam. They desire change, and they will achieve it." Several exit polls have suggested that the NDA is likely to secure a third consecutive term in Assam, with Axis My India predicting the NDA will win between 88 to 100 seats out of 126, while the Congress-led alliance is expected to secure 24 to 36 seats. JVC forecasts 88 to 101 seats for the NDA and 23 to 33 for the Congress-led coalition, with AIUDF projected to win 0 to 2 seats and others 3 seats.