GUWAHATI, Dec 28 - Slamming both the Union and the State governments for not naming the Bogibeel Bridge after legendary Chutia queen Sati Sadhani, the All Assam Chutia Students� Union has said that the Bharatiya Janata Party would have to face the consequences of ignoring the indigenous Chutia community, in the coming Lok Sabha election.
Criticising the Sarbananda Sonowal-led State government for its failure to keep its promise the student organisation said that it was unfortunate that the State government was unable to take a stand on the issue.
�It was our long-pending demand to name the bridge after the queen of Chutia dynasty and we took up several programmes in support of our demand. Though we were assured at a meeting with Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on August 11 that the State government would send a proposal to the Union government over this issue, the inaugural ceremony of the bridge was a big disappointment for us,� Kshirod Saikia, president and Mahen Bora, general secretary of the organisation said here today.
�Though an official correspondence to the Railways regarding naming of the bridge after Virangana Sati Sadhani came into public domain a few days ahead of the inaugural ceremony, the government did not take a firm stand on it,� the two leaders stated.
The student body has now decided to lead an intensive campaign within the community against the BJP for hurting the sentiments of the Chutia people. �We will go door to door and distribute leaflets highlighting the injustice done to our people. We have also asked the people of Chutia community, Chutia Jati Sanmilan, Mahila Sanmilan and Yuba Sanmilan, who are active members of BJP, to resign from the party.
�Those who do not sever ties with the BJP for their own political gain would have to leave the community platforms,� the student leaders said.
The student body has also decided not to take part in any activity with the organisations opposing its demand for naming the bridge after Sati Sadhani. �We are contemplating the launch of a new political forum that can work dedicatedly for the overall growth and development of the indigenous Chutia community of the State,� the student leaders said.