GUWAHATI, Feb 2: Amid political speculation overa possible understanding between the Opposition Congress and Raijor Dal ahead of the Assam Assembly elections, chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has dismissed the proposition as an “emergency political arrangement as opposed to a genuine alliance”.
Addressing the media, Sarma alleged that Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi is reaching out to political leaders and media persons in a bid to ensure support ahead of the proposed February 8 media conference during which the chief minister claims to reveal information regarding the SIT probe into Gogoi’s alleged links with Pakistan.
According to Sarma, the move is aimed at ensuring that leaders like Raijor Dal president Akhil Gogoi come forward to defend Gogoi once the allegations are made public.
“The so-called alliance is nothing but a lollipop. Because if it were a real alliance, seat-sharing would have been announced by now. But things will become clear after February 8,” the chief minister said, questioning the credibility and intent of the alleged partnership.
“Such theatrics by the Opposition, now that several phases of the electoral campaign have passed, hardly have any relevance on the ground,” the chief minister said, adding that the state’s electorate have already decided as to whom they want to elect or reject in the upcoming Assembly elections,” he said.
Meanwhile, Raijor Dal president Akhil Gogoi has reportedly sought 15 Assembly seats from Congress during a meeting with Gaurav Gogoi at Kaziranga on Sunday.
Apparently, the move is aimed to forge Opposition unity for the upcoming Assembly polls.
According to reports, Gogoi has submitted a list of 20 constituencies, insisting on at least 15 seats for finalisation of the alliance.
Notably, Raijor Dal on Sunday unveiled its poll manifesto for a “New Assam” emphasising indigenous-led growth. Among the promises mentioned include agriculture, SME promotion, tea diversification, tourism hubs, medium hydropower, bamboo economy, Rs 5,000 crore startup funds, Right to Health, foreigner deportation, indigenous land rights, CAA opposition and tribal status for Moran-Motok-Ahom-Chutia-Koch-Rajbanshi-tea tribes-Nath Yogi-Saraniya Kachari-Madahi communities.
