Assam Congress President Gaurav Gogoi on Wednesday indicated that he may hold a courtesy meeting with Hemant Soren after the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) expressed interest in entering Assam’s electoral politics ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
Speaking to reporters in Ranchi, Gogoi said he would try to meet the Jharkhand Chief Minister but stressed that such discussions are better held privately.
“Jharkhand CM has visited Assam, and we will try to have a courtesy call with him. These matters are not meant to be discussed in the media. We will share our views in an official meeting,” he said.
Soren, who also heads the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, visited Assam earlier this week, where he called for unity among tribal communities and attended an iftar gathering.
Gogoi is currently in Jharkhand as part of the Congress party’s preparations for the upcoming Assam Legislative Assembly elections. He said the visit aims to engage with leaders of the Jharkhand unit of the party to strengthen the Congress strategy in Assam.
According to Gogoi, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) has appointed Bandhu Tirkey as a senior observer for the Assam elections. Tirkey has already toured districts across Assam and is familiar with the issues faced by people in the state.
“We have come here on behalf of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee to discuss with Jharkhand Congress leaders how their senior leaders can further strengthen the party ahead of the elections and help provide a new direction for the people of Assam,” Gogoi said.
He is expected to contest the upcoming Assembly elections from the Jorhat constituency.
Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Pawan Khera said talks on seat-sharing with alliance partners are ongoing.
Addressing a press conference in Guwahati, Khera said the party is taking ground surveys and public opinion into account while negotiating with allies.
“Discussions on seat-sharing with alliance partners are continuing, keeping in mind the ground survey and public opinion,” he said.
Khera also criticised Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, alleging corruption and claiming that the Congress’ confidence stems from the situation on the ground.
“Our confidence does not come from bravado. It comes from the ground reality. Whether you put Rs 9,000 or Rs 90,000, people want to get rid of this corrupt man,” he said.
Assam is scheduled to hold its Legislative Assembly elections later this year, with the Bharatiya Janata Party aiming for a third consecutive term in power, while the Indian National Congress seeks to return to power in the state.
