Gandhi-Bachchan fight reaches Asom

Tinsukia, Mar 31 (UNI) The 'battle' of Bachchan and Gandhis have reached Asom with both Jaya Bachchan and Sonia Gandhi campaigning in the same constituency on the same day, stretching the battle of Bahus from New Delhi to Tinsukia via Lucknow.

The Bachchans are canvassing for Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), main contender of Sonia Gandhi's party in the state, the first phase of which goes to poll on Monday.

Jaya Bachchan was also carrying a statement from husband Amitabh Bachchan, which was read out by local AGP.

The "bitter" family fight, which has been visible since late nineties and lately in the Parliament in New Delhi on March 23, moved on to Uttar Pradesh and reached far-flung North East yesterday, with no signs of slowing down.

Congress chief Sonia Gandhi was in Asom yesterday to campaign for her party. So was Jaya Bachchan for Asom Gana Parishad (AGP). Her party, Samajwadi Party (SP), is into an alliance with the AGP in the state.

A closer examination of the recent developments in the lives of these two ladies show that their paths have crossed in more ways than just clash of dates.

Ms Gandhi's resignation as MP and chairperson of National Advisory Council was necessitated following Mrs Bachchan's disqualification from the Rajya Sabha (RS).

Mrs Bachchan was disqualified from the RS by the Election Commission for being the chairperson of Uttar Pradesh Film Development Council, which was identified as a post of profit.

So when the first opportunity of another battle beckoned, both responded and chose the same day to canvas in the same constituency and both drawing sizeable number of voters in their meetings at Tinsukia.

Congress is fighting with its back to the wall to retain the constituency.

In their repective meetings, both chose not to speak on the Office of profit controversy and rather concentrated on local issues.

Mrs Bachchan's yesterday's visit to Asom has been construed as a "gimmick" by the Congress party to minimise the hype surrounding Ms Gandhi's visit. "The SP barely has a presence in the state and one could think of any possible reason to justify Mrs Bachchan's visit," Congress sources said.

The dignified posture and their families' erstwhile ties might refrain Ms Gandhi and Mrs Bachchan from launching personal attacks but the way their paths have crossed over the years sure make for a Bollywood flick with true colours of Indian politics thrown in.

UNI MT TJP SKM1554