Assam polls: Sonia Gandhi to address two rallies today

With the campaign having reached a feverish pitch for the first phase of the assembly elections in Assam, Congress President Sonia Gandhi will hold public meetings in Amguri and Biswanath in today, while Home Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to address rallies at Duliajan, Mahmara, Thowra and Moran.

Candidates are leaving no stone unturned to win the trust of voters, promising better road connectivity and employment opportunities.

The main issues coming to the fore are illegal immigration, corruption, recognition of tribals, and river bank erosion.

With less than a week for the first phase of polls, voter awareness drives are being carried out through different media to educate citizens about the electoral process. Assam has a total of one crore 98 lakh voters.

Meanwhile, to increase voter turnout and encourage ethical voting, the Election Commission is running a high-pitch campaign across Assam with special focus on young voters and women.

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi yesterday questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tall promises for turning the fortunes of the state while addressing a rally in Diphu of East Karbi Anglong district of Assam.

"Modiji comes here, makes promises and then goes back. He promised to bring back the black money and give every common man a sum of Rs 15 lakhs but has failed to do so," Gandhi said.

Earlier last week, highlighting his agenda of development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi campaigning in the Rangapara district of Assam, came down heavily on the Congress regime and alleged that the ruling party in the state has betrayed the people and their aspirations in the last 15 years.

In Assam, polling for the first phase of polls will be held on April 4 for 65 seats. The scrutiny of nomination papers was held on March 19 and March 21 was the last date of withdrawal of nominations.

Assam has a total of one crore 98 lakh voters. The Election Commission has announced two-phase voting for the 14th Assam assembly elections on April 4 and 11, while the votes will be counted on May 19. The tenure of the Tarun Gogoi led- Congress government comes to an end in June.