JORHAT, Oct 30 - Almost the entire top brass of the Congress party of the State today took part in a protest programme staged at Numaligarh Tiniali of Golaghat district by party workers against the proposed disinvestment of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL). Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL), is a subsidiary of BPCL that holds 61.65 per cent with the rest of the shares being held by the Assam Government and Oil India Limited.
The Congress like several other parties and organisations is opposing the Centre�s proposed plan to privatise NRL.
Former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, his son Gaurav Gogoi, who is the Kaliabor MP, APCC president Ripun Bora, AICC secretary Rana Goswami, Nagaon MP and former minister Pradyut Bordoloi, Leader of the Opposition in State Assembly and Nazira MLA Debabrata Saikia, former minister and Samuguri MLA Rakibul Hussain, Mariani legislator Rupjyoti Kurmi, former Khumtai MLA Bismita Saikia were among Congress party leaders who participated in the roadside protest meeting held at the Numaligarh Tiniali.
The leaders in their speeches came down heavily on the Narendra Modi-led and Sarbananda Sonowal Governments over the proposed de�ision to privatise NRL.
They said that the Government of the day was on a mode to sell all assets build over a long period of time across the country during the Congress Governments� rule.
Protesters shouted slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and castigated the duo for their alleged role in the proposed decision to disinvest NRL.
It may be mentioned here that since a fortnight ago protests at Numaligarh have started erupting after news of the Centre�s proposed decision to disinvest BPCL and NRL and thereby hand over the PSUs to private companies became public.
ANN Service adds from Bokakhat: APCC president Ripun Bora speaking to media persons said that the people of Assam now know the political motives and intentions of the BJP Government. The so-called development-oriented activities are totally sham.
Gaurav Gogoi, MP of Kaliabor said that the privatisation of the Refinery would hit the employment opportunities of the local youth. He also said that NRL is the fruit of the Accord of Assam Agitation signed by Late Rajiv Gandhi, the then Prime Minister and AASU leaders, which was earned by the brave sacrifices of 855 martyrs of Assam.
Tarun Gogoi, former Chief Minister criticising the BJP Government said that the party�s leaders are only involved in amassing properties and their policies have shattered the country�s economy.
