Congress is set to do better in Assam, AGP falters

The Congress looks set to beat the incumbency factor in Assam, riding on a four-way division of votes among the opposition parties. According to a post-poll CNN-IBN-The Week survey conducted by the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), Congress will secure 36% of the votes, double the number of votes – 18% – polled by the main opposition AGP. The BJP is expected to suffer a three percent loss in its vote share compared to its 2006 numbers. [caption id=“attachment_7605” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“Chief minister Tarun Gogoi is ready for a hat-trick in Assam. Utpal Baruah/Reuters”] [/caption] Besides the Congress, the only other party to increase its vote percentage is the AIUDF. Its vote share goes up from 9 to 13; the Congress’ vote share has gone up by five percent, the survey says. Others corner a major chunk of votes – 24%. Tarun Gogoi has emerged the most popular candidate for the chief minister’s job with 37% of respondents favouring him. AGP leader Prafulla Mahanta comes way down with just eight percent backing him. However, his ratings have gone up by four percent compared to 2006. Congress’ approval rating has gone up from 56 in 2006 to 63 in 2011. The survey reveals a shift in preference among different communities with more Assamese Hindus and Muslims backing the Congress. Bengali Muslims are closer to the AIUDF now. .daylife_smartgalleries_container p { width: 100%; height: 100%; margin: 0; padding: 0; border: 0; background: transparent; }