Himanta Biswa Sarma vs Sixto Duran Ballen

Himanta Biswa Sarma left the Indian National Congress and joined the BJP, citing differences with Congress leadership. This move significantly strengthened the BJP in Assam and led to his rise as a key leader.

As a senior minister in the Assam government, Sarma oversaw the final publication of the updated NRC, which excluded 1.9 million people. This process aimed to identify illegal immigrants but faced criticism for errors.

Sarma became Chief Minister of Assam after the BJP-led alliance won the state elections. He succeeded Sarbananda Sonowal and focused on infrastructure, health, and education.

Duran Ballen implemented a series of neoliberal economic reforms, including trade liberalization, privatization of state-owned enterprises, and deregulation. These reforms aimed to modernize the economy but faced opposition from labor unions.

Sixto Duran Ballen was elected President of Ecuador as the candidate of the Republican Unity Party. He campaigned on a platform of economic modernization and anti-corruption.

During Duran Ballen's presidency, a brief armed conflict erupted with Peru over a disputed border area in the Cenepa region. The conflict resulted in casualties on both sides before a ceasefire was negotiated.

Duran Ballen completed his full four-year presidential term and peacefully transferred power to his elected successor, Abdal Bucaram. This was a rare instance of democratic continuity in Ecuador.