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Gogoi for �maha-understanding� among non-BJP parties

By Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, Nov 9 - Terming the Bihar Assembly poll results as a rejection of �divisive, communal and pro-corporate� policies of the BJP, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today called for �maha-understanding� among all non-BJP parties in Assam during the 2016 Assembly elections in the State.

Speaking to reporters here today, Gogoi said that while there will be no pre-poll alliance or seat-sharing between the Congress and other non-BJP forces, there is a need for �adjustment� among them.

�We are not talking about mahajot (grand alliance). We are talking of �maha-understanding� (among forces fighting communal and divisive elements),� he said. All non-BJP parties, including the Congress, AIUDF, AGP, BPF and Gana Mukti Sangram should have �adjustment�, he added.

Asked to clarify what exactly an �adjustment� or �maha-understanding� would entail, Gogoi said, �We will urge the people to vote for the Congress and if not for us, then at least not for the BJP. We want a friendly understanding. We want all other parties to consider the BJP as the common enemy. That is my wish, but it is for the other parties to reciprocate,� Gogoi said.

To a question about replication of the Bihar model of Grand Alliance in Assam, Gogoi said, �The situations in Assam and Bihar are different. In Bihar, the parties were part of some alliance or other for years. In Assam, barring for our association with the BPF, there have not been any major instance of such alliances.�

He also added that both Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad will come for campaigning in Assam during the Assembly polls next year.

Regarding prospects of the Congress in 2016, Gogoi said, �We will form the government again. I am confident. But I cannot give you an estimate about the number of seats we will win as I am not a tantric. I have been in power for 15 years. We are tried and tested.�

Gogoi said that as against numerous portfolios to MPs from Bihar, only one MP from Assam � Sarbananda Sonowal � has been inducted in the Union Council of Ministers and he has been given only a minor portfolio. �Even skill development was taken away from Sonowal,� he said.

The Chief Minister said that BJP has no roots in Assam. �They are bringing RSS and ABVP cadres from other states. But the Hindi-belt politics will not succeed in Assam. As Lalu Prasad had correctly said, the BJP is �Bharatiya Jumla Party�,� he said.

Asked if his happy frame of mind is on account of the crushing defeat suffered by the NDA in Bihar, Gogoi said, �Tarun Gogoi is never in tension. But I am glad about the BJP�s defeat in Bihar. Today, I am a very happy man.�

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