Guwahati, July 17: Assam Congress president Bhupen Kumar Borah has clarified that the party’s choice to contest the by-elections independently in five Legislative Assembly Constituencies (LACs) was influenced by suggestions from grassroots workers. Speaking to the media, Borah indirectly addressed Raijor Dal chief Akhil Gogoi’s warning about withdrawing support if the Congress proceeded solo in the bypolls, stating he had to consider the input of local party workers, although the final decision rests with the party’s political affairs committee.
The decision to contest alone was made during a Tuesday meeting involving party members from the five seats—Behali, Samaguri, Dholai, Bongaigaon, and Sidli—anticipated for bypolls later this year. These seats are vacant following the election of the incumbent MLAs to the Lok Sabha during the recent elections, with specific dates for the by-elections yet to be announced by the Election Commission.
“Our local party members have suggested that we should contest the bypolls on our own," Borah said, referencing previous electoral decisions where seats like Sidli and Behali were left for alliance partners like the Bodo People’s Front and CPI(ML) respectively. "The feedback indicates that Congress can perform better independently in these seats," he added.
Akhil Gogoi, leader of Raijor Dal, criticized the Congress’s unilateral decision, highlighting the significance of a united opposition which contributed to their success in the recent Lok Sabha elections. Gogoi warned that such actions could force Raijor Dal to withdraw support in upcoming polls.
The political affairs committee of the Congress party will ultimately determine the final approach for contesting the bypolls.
Original Story https://theshillongtimes.com/2024/07/17/decision-to-contest-bypolls-alone-based-on-grassroots-workers-suggestions-assam-cong/
Category : News Alert,REGIONAL
Tags:
