Infiltration, sealing border BJP's priority in Assam: Sonowal

BJP's chief ministerial candidate Sarbananda Sonowal also said that a list will be prepared with names of 'bonafide' Indian citizens

BJP chief ministerial candidate in Assam Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday said dealing with "infiltration" and sealing the India-Bangladesh border would be a priority, as the party appeared poised to form its maiden government in the northeastern state.

"Issues like infiltration, sealing of the Indo-Bangla border, problems of small tea growers, unemployment -- are the major challenges. We will work together (with allies) to resolve these issues," Sonowal told NDTV.

Asked about the issue of migration from Bangladesh, the Bharatiya Janata Party leader said: "We will seal the border to stop infiltration."

He also said that a list will be prepared with names of "bonafide" Indian citizens.

"The main target is to protect the interest of bonafide citizens, whether Hindu or Muslim," he said.

Talking about the imminent victory of the BJP, Sonowal said: "People of Assam were fed up with Congress. They wanted good governance and that is why they voted for BJP and the alliance."

"People have accepted our winning combination. This is a great victory. People of Assam have been looking for such a combination... Our main target is to protect the interests of bonafide Indian citizens, whether they are Hindu or Muslims it doesn't matter," he said. 

"We have to protect the interests of greater Assamese society, which include Assamese, Bihari Marwaris, Bengalis, Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs... We have to work together, live together and fight together," he added.

Asked if the alliance will have a smooth sail, the chief ministerial candidate said: "Whatever we do, we will do it in consultation with all ally partners."