GUWAHATI, March 23 � Amidst speculations about Congress party issuing whip in view of the ensuing Rajya Sabha elections, State Government spokesperson Himanta Biswa Sarma today clarified that the party had never issued whip, rather it believed in making an appeal to all its legislators.
Stating that there was a big difference between whip and maintaining party discipline, the spokesperson informed that the Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) belonging to the Congress and its ally should vote as per their conscience.
Sarma, while speaking to mediapersons, went on to clarify that the party was also not going to indulge in any kind of horse-trading to secure votes.
He, however, slammed the opposition parties alleging that they were trying to create panic with excessive use of the word 'whip'.
"The sign of desperation being shown by the opposition parties, especially with 48 legislators apparently on their side, is making us believe that all is not well in the opposition camp," Sarma said, referring to the Opposition's move to air-lift MLA Prabin Gogoi, who was under doctor's observation in a Mumbai-based hospital, ahead of the election slated for March 26.
"It seems that there is no consensus in the Opposition camp, which is making us feel more confident," he maintained.
Sarma also clarified that unlike what had been reported in a section of media, Naznin Faruqui remained the first choice of the party high command.
Asked whether the party was confident of winning both the seats, Sarma said, "The picture is still not clear and as Condpan has been fielded as our choice after Naznin Faruqui, it cannot be without proper homework.�
