Congress' policy of peace and development worked: Gogoi

Guwahati, May 13 (UNI) Asom Chief Minister designate Tarun Gogoi today thanked the people of the state for 'rejecting communal and regional forces' and showing belief in 'Congress' policy of peace and development.' Talking to newspersons here, Mr Gogoi said his party would claim stake to form the next government later in the evening, with the support of the BPPF(H) and Independent MLAs.

'' We are all set to form the next government. The BPPF(H) has extended us full support with a few conditions, he aid.

Claiming that the people of Asom had dismissed 'communal and regional' forces in the last Lok Sabha and Assembly polls, Mr Gogoi flayed the Asom United Democratic Front (AUDF) for trying to divide voters along religious lines.

''Shahi Imam Bukhari had claimed that the AUDF's victory in Asom will make way for Muslim groups. But the people's verdict has proved him wrong, he noted.

He also blasted the BJP for fanning communal sentiments and dismissed the saffron party's claim that its base had strengthened in the state.

Taking a dig at the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), Mr Gogoi said the AGP's third front experiment did not work.

Maintaining that the people of Asom could not be swayed by the presence of stalwarts, he said, ''Voters here are more matured and politically conscious than in other states.'' The Chief Minister also claimed that three to four MLAs of the minority section who had left the party were in negotiations to etuen and more would come to the Congress fold within three months.

He also thanked AICC chief Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Gandhi and Congress leaders and workers for ensuring the party's victory.

Mr Gogoi pledged to carry forward the developmental work started in the last five years for the betterment of the state.

UNI SG KK VD RN1847