Asom CLP to meet tomorrow to elect leader, Gogoi favourite

Guwahati, May 12 (UNI) The MLAs of victorious Congress will meet here tomorrow to elect a new party leader, party sources said.

The meeting will be held under the supervision of Congress observers Digvijay Singh and Chandan Bagchi where Mr Tarun Gogoi is expected to be elected unnanimously.

Although Mr Gogoi is maintaining a very low profile, but the sources confirmed that it would be a ''two minute '' affair for his election as the new head.

'He is an obvious choice. It is he who led the party for an unprecedented second term. It is his personal chair'' said the party spokesman and newly elected MLA Abdul Khaleq.

After the meeting, Mr Gogoi will fly to New Delhi to meet Congress President Sonia Gandhi, who had already called him to congratulate for party's win.

He is also being supporteed by the other alliance partners.

Mr Gogoi's election is a forgone conclusion as already the Bodo parties have made his selection a condition for their support. ''I am ready to take any responsibility'' he said to mediapersons this morning.

The man, who was written off just a week back, made a spectacular return as all the hurdles of his becoming Chief Minister were automatically removed.

Possible rivals including Ardhendu Dey, Devananda Konwar, Bhubaneshwar Kalita and even Anjan Dutta lost in the election, leaving the road free for his second term.

''I have never hankered after any post and will do whatever is asked of me. More than the Chief Ministership, I am excited about our returning to power despite predictions to the contrary. It is a vote for continuity development and sincerity. I always knew we would be on course. I have full faith in the people'' Mr Gogoi said.

UNI MT PC VD KN1450