The BJP is set to unleash its face of the future — Varun Gandhi — on Assam’s political landscape tomorrow by according him a welcome usually reserved for party presidents so that he makes an “instant” connect with partymen and voters. A cavalcade of 100 cars will proceed to the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport with around 500 party workers and leaders to receive the youngest BJP national secretary and MP, who is also in charge of elections in the state. Besides, Bihu and Karbi troupes will greet Varun at the airport.

“There is a lot of enthusiasm within the party about his maiden visit given his charisma. During his two-day stay, he will take feedback from around 2,500 grassroots and senior leaders and kickstart our preparations for the Assembly polls,” said Dilip Saikia, state BJP secretary in-charge of Barpeta district.

P. Chandra Sekhar, BJP organising secretary, Northeast, said, “Having experimented with different leaders, time has come for Assam to take decisive action. The people’s choice is BJP and Varun Gandhi, with his natural leadership quality, is the right man to have been appointed and at the right time for Assam. He symbolises Assamese aspirations and the interests of the indigenous population — end to influx from Bangladesh, corruption and unrest. He has evinced interest in visiting the Bangladesh border and satras. We want him to make an instant impression.”

Understandably, the ruling Congress is wary. “We are not worried about Varun Gandhi’s visit. Our concern for Assam is reflected in our action. We have almost completed border fencing, started NRC update and are working on safeguards for indigenous population,” PCC secretary Rajesh Joshi said.