Tarun Gogoi not a contender for CM's post

Guwahati, Apr 18 (UNI) Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said he was not a contender for the CM's post though the Congress would definitely return to power in the state.

Talking to newspersons here Mr Gogoi said, ''(the question of) who would be the next chief minister does not arise at this point.

However, I am not an aspirant. I have never lobbied for any post.'' He also reiterated that he would not take the support of the Asom United Democratic Front in forming the next government. ''Such a situation will not arise as the Congress is going to win a clear majority,'' he declared.

The Congress, he said, is a dynamic party with 'good health' where there are several aspirants for the leadership.

''Being a straight forward man I have never indulged in manipulation and lobbying. I have treated all the issues that I feel are right for the state,'' he said adding he himself took up the issue of Assam Accord and Bodoland Territorial Council with the then central government despite opposition from some of his partymen in the state.

''I will continue to do the same. I will follow the party ideology only and not that of others,'' he remarked.

He admitted that due to the model code of conduct in force in the state several projects have suffered. ''Now I have taken up the matter with the Election Commission and requested them to allow to continue all the ongoing work. The Commission has in the meanwhile given the green signal for all the current schemes,'' he said.

UNI AB PL RD 1420