Guwahati: Former three-time Assam CM Tarun Gogoi today alleged that the BJP and the perfume baron Maulana Badruddin Ajmal-led All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) were ‘bhai-bhai’ (brothers).
He also dismissed media reports that Gogoi wanted a political understanding between the Congress and the AIUDF for the ensuing General Elections.
Addressing a press conference here, Gogoi said, “Himanta Biswa Sharma (Assam minister) is Ajmal’s ‘chot a bhai’ (younger brother) and Narendra Modi is his ‘bada bhai’ (elder brother).” Refuting reports that Gogoi wanted an understanding with the AIUDF, the veteran Congressman said, ” In fact, Rahul Gandhi had asked me through Venugopal what I wanted. And I told him that I want to defeat the AIUDF.” “That is why we have fielded strong candidates in all seats,” he said, adding that the Congress will win at least 10 out of 14 Lok Sabha seats in the state.
Gogoi also sounded confident on his son Gaurav retaining Kaliabor constituency in the state. State Congress president Ripun Bora, who was also present at the press conference, denied allegations of candidates having to pay hefty amounts to get party ticket.
He said, “These are common allegations from those who are do not get the party nomination. If anyone can prove that any money was taken for giving any candidature, I shall take full responsibility.” While the BJP had won seven seats in 2014 General Elections, both the Congress and the AIUDF had secured three each, while one was bagged by an Independent candidate. (UNI)
