Guwahati, April 4: BJP national president Nitin Nabin on Saturday alleged that previous Congress governments in Assam had turned Barak Valley into a “crime hub” through vote-bank politics and appeasement of infiltrators.

Speaking at a poll rally in support of Ram Krishna Nagar candidate, Nabin said: “Previous governments had turned Barak Valley into a crime hub for vote bank politics. The politics of appeasement was at its peak as Congress governments were more concerned about infiltrators than the local people.”

He asserted that the people of Assam punished Congress for its policies by voting it out of power and installing a BJP-led NDA government with a clear vision for development. Nabin expressed confidence that the NDA would retain power in the upcoming April 9 elections with a “massive mandate.”

Highlighting the BJP’s governance record, Nabin said the party has ensured “Virasat-vikash” (heritage-development) together, claiming crime has been checked in southern Assam. “No criminal dares to trouble the people anymore as they know that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will not spare anyone,” he added.

The BJP leader also listed various developmental initiatives undertaken in the past decade, pledging to continue the progress if re-elected.

Elections to Assam’s 126-member assembly are scheduled for April 9, with vote counting on May 4.