Sonia brings WC fever to Assam poll scene

In the wake of Team India's stupendous win against Pakistan at Mohali, the World Cup mood has spilled into the election campaigning even in the far flung Assam on Friday.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Friday started her election campaign in Assam calling upon the people to pray for a massive win for Team India in the World Cup final in Mumbai on Saturday while congratulating the team for their convincing win in the semifinal at Mohali against Pakistan.

Sonia launched her day-long electioneering at the Bengali-speaking minority-dominated Karimganj in south Assam's Barak Valley showering praise on India cricket team that cheered the crowd and set the mood for the meeting where she lambasted rival Asom Gana Parishad and the Bharatiya Janata Party for remembering the people of Assam only at the time of election, only to forget them for the next five years.

"The AGP and the BJP have no commitment and sincerity towards all round development of Assam and that was well reflected at the failure of the two parties to do anything concrete for the benefit of people of Assam while they were in the power at the state as well as in the Centre," Sonia said.

She flaunted the achievements of the Congress government in Assam in the last ten years in respect of economic development, restoration of peace and reiterated that Congress was the only party that would never compromise on the issues related to development of Assam.

Sonia addressed total three election rallies in Assam with a focused attack on the AGP and the BJP.

Matching the spirit of the Congress president, senior BJP leader L K Advani in a rally at Khumtai in Golaghat district said, "Win would be there where there is massive support from the people. Team India won at Mohali because of massive wishes of the people. Win in the field of cricket, however, will not suffice as the country needs to win in all spheres with people's support. So, vote for BJP to support BJP's agenda for over all-round development of Assam and India."

"Arrogance developed in Congress after being in power for so long both in Assam and Guwahati. The arrogance has bred corruption which has triggered spiraling prices in the country much to the misery of the people. Congress has no interest in providing succor to the people. So, vote out the party to let it retire after ruling the country for over five decades," Advani said.