A demand to revive the Assam Polyester Mill Limited (APOL) Mill has gained momentum in Rangia, which goes to poll on April 6.

Along with issues like unemployment, price hike of essential commodities and fuel and several other issues of regional and national interests, the revival of APOL Mill and proper construction of the breached portion of the Bagaribari river embankment has also found space in the election manifestos of several candidates in the fray.

Even the independent candidates have also spoken extensively about the two issues in their manifestos and joined hands with other opposition leaders to lash out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Opposition candidates have lashed out at the BJP-led state government for failing to find a solution to revive the closed APOL Mill and reconstruct the breach of the Bagaribari embankment.

Even though Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in 2016 had declared that the state government will revive the APOL Mill, however, the government has not initiated any steps so far.

It is widely believed that this issue may turn out to be a deciding factor in the ensuing election.

"Flood wreaks havoc every year in Rangia and the breach of the Bagaribari river embankment is yet to get fully constructed. The government seems to be least bothered about finding a permanent solution to deal with this problem," said Bhaben Sarma, a local.

"Any candidate who can convince us to find a solution to revive the closed APOL Mill and complete the construction of the Bagaribari embankment will have a strong chance of winning the election," he added.

It may be mentioned here that APOL was a household name during the 1990s and early 2000s when it came to home accessories or clothing items such as shirts, trousers, bed sheets and curtains, among a host of others.

APOL Fabrics held a large market share in major cities across India, and not just in Assam, in its initial years and was regarded as one of the best in India.