Senior BJP leader and cabinet minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Wednesday the BJP will win 100 seats in the 2021 Assam Assembly polls.

The party had set a target of 84 in 2016 polls and won 86 seats of the 126 with pre-poll allies AGP (14) and the BPF (12), unseating the Congress after three straight terms. The BJP won 60 seats.

Criticising the ongoing anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act protests, finance minister Sarma, at a peace and development rally at Barpeta Road, claimed the BJP would again form the government after winning over 100 seats in the next Assembly elections.

“BJP will never betray the people of Assam. We are working on building a prosperous Assam. During our regime rhino killings have been stopped, students have been provided free education. Peace has returned to Assam as there are no riots or clashes,” said Sarma at the BJP rally organised to counter the protests against CAA.

Sarma said, “Do not be disheartened, BJP workers. Today, thousands have assembled to spread a message of peace. Similar meetings will be held at Jagiroad, Sualkuchi, Khanapara in the coming days. I assure you the party would again form the government in the state. People will vote for us again.”

Later, Sarma tweeted, “Incredible turnout! I & @BJP4Assam President @RanjeetkrDass joined large number of people at Peace & Progress march at #Barpeta Road. We’re determined not to allow anyone to hinder peace in #Assam, neither deter us from pursuing path of progress & prosperity. We’re for people.”

Sarma also said the BJP is not against those who are protesting against the anti-CAA. “We will discuss with them and try to work out a solution,” Sarma said.

Both AASU and AJYCP said the protest is not about numbers but the future of Assam. “They may get 126 but this will not stop the agitation. This will continue till the law is scrapped,” AASU general secretary Lurin Joyoti Gogoi said. AJYCP general secretary Palash Changmai said the protests would continue and elections are decided by the people. “Didn’t BJP lose in Jharkhand? Even powerful leaders such as Indira Gandhi and Hiteswar Saikia have lost elections!” he said. Congress leader Debabrata Saikia said they are focussed on agitation. “I am not good at maths. That is the domain of the BJP,” he said, taking a dig at Sarma.