Congress won’t have alliance in Assam but some understanding: Gogoi

Congress does not favour a Bihar- type grand alliance in Assam but is keen on some “understanding” with friendly parties to defeat BJP.

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi says Congress is in talks with Badaruddin Ajmal-led AIUDF, which has significant base among state’s over 34 per cent Muslim population, but feels the party is “soft” towards BJP.

“I am not talking about political alliance. I am talking about some kind of understanding. Not a grand alliance like Bihar. That is not possible in Assam. Because, if we go in for an alliance, we will have to forgo many seats in many areas where we are strong,” he said.

The 79-year-old Congress veteran said even though AIUDF was in discussions with the Congress, that party was also in talks with BJP for a secret understanding in the polls likely to be held in April-May 2016.

“I don’t think there will be any kind of alliance in Assam. BJP is trying. They are talking to even AIUDF. There is no doubt. Not open alliance. Secret understanding. AIUDF is talking to us also. If anyone wants to talk, we can talk. If you want to talk, we will talk,” he said.

Gogoi, who won a third straight term as Chief Minister in the last elections in 2011, said his idea of political understanding means, if someone does not want to vote for Congress, he or she should vote for any party but not the BJP.

“I will not say vote for AIUDF or AIUDF will not say vote for Congress. But it is up to them (AIUDF) whether they are interested in us or not. My motto is clear. We will fight BJP tooth and nail,” he said.

Gogoi claimed that BJP and AIUDF are soft towards each other even though both the parties are ideologically far apart.

Asked whether Congress will join hands with once bitter rival AGP for the said political understanding, the Chief Minister remained non-committal but said the regional party has been very critical towards BJP.

“I don’t know whether we will have any understanding with AGP. AGP talks strong language against BJP. In many cases more than the AIUDF. But AIUDF is silent on BJP. That’s why there is suspicion. It is a fact also,” he said.