Guwahati, May 2: Congress Assam election in-charge Bhanwar Jitendra Singh on Saturday voiced strong confidence in the party’s prospects in the Assembly elections, asserting that public sentiment was shifting towards Congress amid concerns over corruption and what he described as “mafia raj.” He dismissed exit poll projections as unreliable, recalling how similar surveys had predicted over 400 seats for the BJP in the Lok Sabha but the party ultimately fell short of 250.

Singh also criticized the Election Commission of India, alleging that the poll body was functioning in alignment with the BJP and lacked credibility. “Not only among political parties, but there is also no overall confidence in the ECI. They are working as a part and parcel of the BJP,” he said, adding that senior leaders were monitoring the situation to ensure fair counting.

Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel echoed Singh’s skepticism of exit polls, describing them as repetitive and inaccurate. He noted that the party was holding organizational meetings with candidates and senior leadership, including DK Shivakumar, to strengthen coordination ahead of counting. Baghel emphasized that Congress had remained vigilant throughout the electoral process, particularly in West Bengal, where repolling was ordered.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, known for his role in safeguarding party legislators during past political crises, arrived in Assam alongside Baghel to meet candidates. Shivakumar said his presence was aimed at protecting Congress MLAs from defection once results are declared. “I am here to protect my MLAs, guide the MLAs and help the party. They are safe today and tomorrow,” he told ANI.

The counting of votes for the Assembly elections is scheduled for May 4.