New Delhi, May 24 (IANS) Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita on Sunday said the BJP-led government in Assam remains focused on development and governance and is not concerned about the opposition’s political statements.

Talking to reporters in the national capital, Margherita said that during the run-up to the Assembly elections too, he had maintained that the BJP would concentrate on highlighting the developmental work carried out by its governments instead of reacting to Opposition rhetoric.

He said the ruling alliance currently has the support of more than 100 MLAs in Assam and that legislators of the alliance partners are actively working on new ideas and initiatives for the welfare and progress of their respective constituencies.

The Union Minister asserted that under the leadership of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the state government is committed to accelerating developmental activities across sectors. “We are busy discussing how the government can further expedite development-related works. Our focus is entirely on issues such as infrastructure development, education, language, culture and the overall progress of Assam,” he said.

Commenting on the Opposition, Margherita claimed that the Congress was facing confusion over its political positioning and electoral strategy even after the debacle in the recently concluded Assembly polls.

He alleged that the Congress fears its political identity would once again be linked to what he described as “appeasement politics” centred around a particular minority community. According to Margherita, attempts by Opposition leaders to project a different image at this stage would not alter public perception.

He further claimed that the BJP and its allies are concentrating on building a “progressive Assam” in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the expectations of the people of the state.

“The people of Assam expect a progressive and development-oriented government, and that is precisely what we are working towards,” he added.

Margherita also said the BJP considers political competition as part of the democratic process and has no interest in engaging in personal attacks against Opposition leaders.

–IANS

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