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AIUDF rejects post-poll alliance with Cong

By PRANJAL BHUYAN

GUWAHATI, Oct 28 - Rejecting the overtures of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi for a post-poll alliance to prevent the BJP from gaining power after the 2016 Assembly elections, the AIUDF has said that it will maintain distance from both the Congress and the BJP and will, in fact, try to form a Government of non-Congress and non-BJP parties in the State.

Speaking to The Assam Tribune, senior AIUDF leaders claimed that Gogoi�s offer of having a post-poll alliance with AIUDF, AGP, Left and other parties revealed the reality about the diminishing strength of the Congress, which has prompted the Chief Minister to scout for allies to ensure that the Congress is somehow able to hold on to power at Dispur.

�Since inception we have followed a policy of not having any friendship or alliance with either the BJP or the Congress and we remain committed to that position. In fact, we will welcome any effort by other parties, including the AGP, Left, and BPF to form a third front in the State. Gogoi knows that Congress is fast losing ground in Assam and so he is desperate to somehow retain power and so the proposal for a post-poll alliance,� said a senior AIUDF leader.

Asked if the AIUDF is willing to go for a pre-poll alliance as part of a third front, he said, �Till now there has been no initiative for a third front. But we are willing to explore such a possibility.�

The AIUDF office-bearer further added, �Elections are still many months away and so it is premature to talk about what will be the situation after the votes are counted and results declared.�

Meanwhile, the party said that it has received very good response from ticket seekers across the State. �October 31 is the last date for submission of forms by ticket seekers, but it is most likely to be extended. Response from across Assam, including Upper Assam districts, has been very good,� said a leader.

Regarding reports that some fake candidates, claiming to have secured AIUDF tickets, have already started campaigning in various constituencies, he said that some such instances have come to their notice.

�There is still plenty of time for ticket allocation. Some fake candidates have claimed to have secured AIUDF ticket for contesting the Vidhan Sabha polls, as per reports from our local committees. We will take stern action against anybody found to be involving in such practices,� said a senior party leader.

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