AGP blames Congress for Panchayat poll violence

Guwahati, Jan 10 (UNI) The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) today accused the ruling Congress for the large scale violence in the just concluded Panchayat polls and demanded a re-poll for Hailakandi district.

Addressing the mediapersons, AGP President Brindabon Goswami has alleged that the Congress has rigged the entire election by spreading violence.

More than 55 people were injured in the violence in Hailakandi and Karimganj district yesterday whereas 200 polling booth personnel complained of inadequate security.

''They seem to have no respect for democracy. They fear loss of power and were desperate to win the Panchayat poll as the party was losing everywhere,''Mr Goswami said, adding that the party was responsible for the large scale violence.

The AGP also feared that Congress would manipulate the election results also.

''There is no EVM here and with a weak state Election Commission the counting is definitely going to be affected,'' he said.

However, state Congress spokesperson Anil Raja had rubbished the allegation saying that the AGP was raising a hue and cry in a fear to lose status of being the main Opposition.

The AGP has of late been dwarfed by the Assam United Democratic Front (AUDF) in Central, Lower and Barak valley of Assam.

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