NEW DELHI, Oct 15 � Political trouble for Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi appears to be far from over with the detractors yet again objecting to his style of functioning.
Gogoi�s opponents have been meeting top AICC leaders, including the party high command, expressing the apprehension that the Congress may bite the dust in the 2016 Assembly polls if corrective measures are not taken at this stage. They have suggested the reshuffle of the Gogoi Ministry and the revamp of the party.
Anjan Dutta today called on Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi. Dutta later told this newspaper that he had discussed organisational matters with Gandhi. However, he declined to divulge details of the discussion.
Yesterday, Himanta Biswa Sarma and Kirip Chaliha, besides Anjan Dutta, had called on Rahul Gandhi separately.
Dutta on Tuesday met Congress president Sonia Gandhi and briefed her on the prevailing political situation, besides drawing her attention towards the memorandum they had earlier submitted in which they had warned about the possibility of the poor performance of the Congress in the Lok Sabha polls in Assam.
Dutta further cautioned the party chief that the Congress may not do well in the 2016 Assembly polls if corrective measures are not taken now. He suggested the immediate expansion and reshuffle of the Gogoi Ministry. However, he claimed that he himself was not keen on any ministerial berth. Dutta said that the revival of the party machinery is still possible, though adequate focus has to be given.
AICC sources said that the State leaders were very critical of the Chief Minister�s style of functioning and sought the urgent intervention of the AICC. They made allegations about rampant corruption in the Gogoi Ministry, which has tarnished the image of the party. The State leaders stressed the need of the reshuffle of the Gogoi Ministry.
Incidentally, both Himanta Biswa Sarma and Anjan Dutta were questioned by the CBI for their alleged links with Saradha Group chief Sudipta Sen.
Sources said that the State leaders were told that the AICC would speak to both the Chief Minister and PCC president Bhubaneswar Kalita to sort out the issues raised by them. The leaders are likely to be called again later this month, added the sources.
The visit by the State Congress leaders comes close on the heels of reports that the Chief Minister was likely to go for the expansion of his ministry to fill up vacancies.
