Guwahati: In a recent development, All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary in-charge of Assam Jitendra Singh clarified that no party has formed an alliance with the Congress in the run-up for the 2021 Assam Assembly elections.
In a press conference held at Hotel Gateway Grandeur in Guwahati yesterday, Singh said that no party has so far formed an alliance with the Congress Singh and the final decision regarding alliance formation will be taken by the party’s high command.
Singh also added that he will discuss the matter with party officials and the general public and will submit a report to the All India Congress Committee on the issue.
In November last year, a meeting of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee held in his presence suggested the formation of a grand alliance. The decision will be taken by the AICC in accordance with the party’s constitution. Only then the discussion of alliance and grand alliance will begin.
Singh’s comments on alliance comes at a time when the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has already initiated dialogue with the AIUDF as well as the Left parties for formation of an Opposition ‘grand alliance’ in the run-up to next year’s Assembly polls. Singh’s comment has, in a way, brought an element of uncertainty into the matter.
“There is no truth in the current scenario. If anyone in the Congress party does that, it will be his personal concern. The decision of the party will be taken by the AICC. “Alliances are not formalized by one or two individuals. During my visit here I have held talks both with Congress party workers from across the State as well as non-political people from other fields.
“Based on the feedback that I have received, I will submit my report to the AICC. Only then will discussions or anything else regarding alliance formation may happen. If any of our party leaders are talking about alliance now, then it is his or her personal opinion. Only the Congress president and the CWC have the mandate to decide on alliance formation,” said Singh.
While speaking to the media Singh said that the core committee of APCC has suggested that there should be an alliance. But the final decision will be that of the party’s central leadership.
“If you ask me about my personal views I would say that having an alliance is definitely not a bad idea. I mean if other Opposition parties want to join hands with us and fight unitedly for the future of Assam, then why not? But the final decision will be made by the high commission,” added Singh.
In response to a reporter’s question on the issue of changing the leadership of the Provincial Congress, which has been gaining attraction since the last Lok Sabha elections, Singh said that it would be up to the AICC to decide.
In this context, he said that the present President of the Assam Pradesh Congress, Ripun Bora, has been working hard for the party. President Bora has been working day and night for the party for revival of our party at a time when morale was at an all-time low.
Singh’s reply seems to suggest that Congress may continue with Bora for the time being. Many senior leaders within the party have been demanding Bora’s removal from the post of APCC president.
Singh also advised party leaders to exercise caution in making public comments in front of the media. He also advocates for being strict enough to maintain party discipline. Asserting that Congress will not tolerate indiscipline and such incidents will be dealt with firmly.
Singh termed the forthcoming Assembly elections as a battle between two civilizations and said that the BJP was trying to destroy the culture, heritage and unity of Assam. But the people of Assam did not allow this to happen.
He also added, “In Assam, all castes and communities, irrespective of language and religion, have been working together to preserve the culture and unity of Assam. It will be very difficult to destroy this culture, this unity. Today, they want to divide the nation in the name of community and religion. The BJP came to power by showing a lot of dreams to the people of Assam. The simple people of Assam, in spite of their promises, gave the opportunity to form a government. But in the last four years, the BJP government at the Center and in the states has resorted to deception.”
Asked about the alleged raising of ‘Pakistan zindabad’ slogans at the Silchar airport by some AIUDF workers, Singh said that the government should hold a proper inquiry into the entire episode.
“The videos of the alleged incident must be checked to ascertain their veracity. Let the government inquire into it. Nobody must dare to say ‘Pakistan zindabad’ on Indian soil,” he said.
When asked about the CM candidature Singh said, “There is also the question about who will be the Chief Minister (if Congress forms the next government). Nobody, however senior he or she may be, gets an automatic route to the Chief Minister’s post. Every party worker has a right to become the Chief Minister or minister.”
