NEW DELHI, June 13 � The AICC has endorsed the �compromise formula� for ending the political crisis in Assam by favouring a reshuffle of the Tarun Gogoi ministry.
According to sources, the formula worked out in consultations with both the groups involves reshuffle of the Gogoi�s Council of Ministry by inducting equal number of MLAs from both the factions.
As reported, AICC observer Ghulam Nabi Azad and general secretary in-charge for Assam Dr CP Joshi briefed Congress president Sonia Gandhi last evening and submitted a report.
Sources said Gogoi has to now reshuffle his ministry under the formula worked out by the AICC in consultations with leaders of both the groups. AICC is now likely to press the Chief Minister to reshuffle his Council of Ministry without further delay, said sources.
Under the formula, State Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is leading the dissident MLAs, is unlikely to be disturbed, while a few MLAs from his side are likely to be inducted into the ministry.
The formula worked out also involves appointment of two deputy chief ministers to assist Gogoi, but the Chief Minister is reportedly not in favour of such a move.
The dissident MLAs had initially rejected the plea for reshuffling of the Cabinet and instead struck with the demand for change of leadership. But the demand had few takers in the AICC high command, particularly vice president Rahul Gandhi, who wants the Chief Minister to continue, said sources.
Though Himanta Biswa Sarma could not be contacted on Friday, yesterday he told newsmen that the crisis would be resolved in four-five days. The State Minister is likely to reach Guwahati on Saturday.
Sources in AICC said that both the camps claimed that majority of MLAs were with them. Under the circumstances, it was found practical to reshuffle the Gogoi ministry by taking equal numbers of MLAs from both the camps.
It may be mentioned here that the dissident activity has cast a shadow over the functioning of the State government. An end to the present state of uncertainty, due to the constant bickering among the Gogoi loyalists and the dissidents, has become imperative, feel political observers.
