Guwahati: The Governor (in-charge) of Assam, P B Acharya has taken exception to reported allegation made by Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Anjan Dutta that the office of the Governor had resorted relaying tactics in ratifying the appointment of the Chief Executive member of Dima Hasao Autnomous Council where Congress has regained the power from the BJP.
A statement issued by Raj Bhawan here on Monday said the attention of Raj Bhavan, had been drawn to a recent news item appearing in a section of the media which stated that Assam PCC President, Anjan Dutta had slammed the Governor of Assam, P. B. Acharya’s tactics in resorting to delaying the ratification of the appointment of the Chief Executive Member of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council.
Taking exception to the stated views of the Assam PCC President, the Raj Bhavan clarified, “The Governor has always acted in a neutral manner befitting the position held by him and has acted within the framework of the powers entrusted upon his office by the Constitution of the country. As such it is a false and baseless accusation to even think that the Governor has acted in any manner which tantamount to showing any favour to anybody.
“The Governor has, as always and as befitting to the position and image held by him, acted in a neutral manner and within the powers bestowed upon him as per the 6th Schedule of the Constitution and has not shown any favour to anybody or has hindered anybody’s interests.”
The Raj Bhawan officials feel that if Anjan Dutta has indeed made such statements, they are nothing but baseless aspersions cast on the dignitary holding the highest office in the State.It may be mentioned that in the recent battle for power in Dima Hasao Autonomos Council, an elected body governed under the provisions of the Sixth Schedule, the BJP usurped the power in the later part of last year from Congress by facilitating floor crossing by some of Congress members of the council and with help of some Independent members.
However, due to power struggle within the BJP-led council, the Congress has again found itself back in the seat of power in the politically highly instable hill council earlier this month.
There were hiccups during the transition of power for which the APCC president has reportedly alleged a role f Raj Bhawan here.
Earlier, Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi had appealed to the Union government to appoint a full-time Governor of Assam in place of P B Acharya who is holding additional charge of Assam besides being the Governor of Nagaland.
