Cong flays rivals for using Bollywood stars

Guwahati, Mar 31 (UNI) The Congress today criticised the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and BJP for ''exporting'' stars from Bollywood to woo voters for the elections in Asom.

''Bringing filmstars for electioneering in Asom is not the political culture of the state. The AGP and the BJP are so desperate to stop the Congress from retaining power that they are roping in Bollywood stars to woo voters,'' said Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi.

He said people of Asom were politically 'too mature' to be swayed by glamorous filmstars and their presence would not translate into votes.

''Even colossal artists like Bhupen Hazarika could not win in the last Parliamentary election in the state. The filmstars are like life saving drugs for both the AGP and BJP,'' Mr Gogoi said.

Mr Gogoi criticised the BJP and Asom United Democratic Front (AUDF) President Badaruddin Ajmal for communalising the atmosphere in the state in the name of electioneering.

''Mr Ajmal is another Mr Togadia, the VHP leader. Mr Ajmal had brought Mr Syed Ahmed Bukhari, the Suni Imam of Jama Masjid to campaign for him. The Imam was used by the BJP in New Delhi during last Parliamentary polls, but Congress candidate Kapil Sibal emerged as the winner. The Imam's fatwa will not work in Asom,'' Mr Gogoi said.

Mr Gogoi claimed there was a secret understanding between the AGP and the BJP, a charge which has been dismissed by both the parties.

UNI XC SP KK HS BD1634