Guwahati: Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who was a Rajya Sabha member of Parliament from Assam, on Friday urged voters of the state to ‘vote wisely’ in the ensuing Assembly polls.
Singh in a video message to the people of Assam also appealed to them to vote for a government that upholds the constitution and democracy.
The 88-year-old Singh was a Rajya Sabha member from Assam from 1991 to 2019, after which he was elected to the upper house of parliament from Rajasthan.
“For many years Assam has been my second home,” said the senior Congress leader.
He recalled his friendship with of former Chief Ministers Hiteshwar Saikia and Tarun Gogoi.
“The people of Assam enabled me to serve our country as Finance Minister of India for five years and as Prime Minister for 10 years. Today I am speaking as one of you. Once again the time has come for you to cast your ballot… You must vote wisely,” Dr Singh urged.
Under the leadership of late Tarun Gogoi, Assam made a new beginning towards peace & development. However it is now facing a serious set-back, society is being divided on the basis of religion, culture & language, rights of people being denied, Singh added.
Assam will go to polls in three phases with polls due on March 27, April 1 and April 6.
Polling will begin at 7 am on Saturday in 47 constituencies across 12 districts in the first phase of the Assam Assembly elections.
