UDF splits, vows to protect minorities

Guwahati, Mar 16 (UNI) The Asom United Democratic Front (AUDF) today split as a rival faction, named AUDF (Progressive) emerged under rebel leader Rashidul Jaman.

The new outfit authorized Mr Jaman to negotiate with other secular forces for a broad-based alliance.

The new party also announced its first list of candidates.

The AUDF had threatened to split the minority vote bank of Congress, causing concern to the party.

Addressing a news conference here, Mr Jaman said Badaruddin Ajmal had been runing the party like his 'fiefdom' and because of him, the party could not have an alliance with any political party.

The objective of the party was to protect the minorities and demand issue of identity cards to those who came to India before 1971, he said.

On the other hand, Mr Ajmal termed the split as the 'handiwork' of the Congress to weaken the minority party.

UNI MT PL VD RK1835