New Delhi: Sarbanand Sonwal, set to take over as the new Chief Minister of Assam, today said that sealing the Indo-Bangladesh border to check illegal infiltration will be top priority of his government.
“Protecting the interests of bonafide Indian citizens, seal the Indo-Bangla border to stop infiltration will be the focus area of my government. This work will be done on a priority basis,” Sarbananda Sonowal, who led the party to its maiden victory in Assam, told India TV.
To a question on identification of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, he said, “Since the BJP-led government assumed charge in Delhi, we are working on this.
“We have been doing this since BJP formed its government at the centre. We will identify illegal Bangladeshi immigrants as early possible,” he said.
The BJP in its ‘Assam Vision Document 2016-2025’ has promised to protect the identity of the Assamese. It has said that a new law will be introduced that will aim at stopping Bangladeshi infiltrators from getting employment in the state.
The 54-year-old leader, however, refused to answer the question on ordering probe against the corruption of the Tarun Gogoi government. “Will talk on this matter later,” the leader said.
On Himanta Biswa Sarma’s role in his government, he said, “We will work together for the betterment of Assam.”
Sarma, a former student leader and Congress minister, had joined the BJP six months before the assembly. He is believed to be the man behind BJP forging alliance with the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF).
While the BJP won 60 seats on its own in the 126-member House, its ally AGP bagged 14 seats and BPF 12 seats.
Sonwal is expected to take oath on May 24.
