Gogoi wants AUDF to merge with Congress

Guwahati, Oct 1 (UNI) The Congress party today announced that the Assam United Democratic Front (AUDF) can merge with the national party.

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said that he personally favour the AUDF should merge with the Congress party rather than having any turck with the regional outfit.

"But if they want to merge with the Congress party and believing its ideology then they are welcome" said Mr Gogoi while rubbishing efforts of party MP Kirip Cahalia for such merger move.

After announcement of an alliance of the BJP and AGP in Assam, the presence of AUDF has become a point of concern for the Congress as many think that the AUDF will cut minority votes in the Lok Sabha polls.

" But I do not think so. I know the people will vote for us. The AUDF is not a factor. Some of us are unnecessarily giving them importance. As far as Kirip's visit to AUDF President Ajmal's house is concerned, I do not think any body has authorized him to do so" Mr Gogoi said.

The sudden visit of Mr Cahalia, a known Gogoi baiter to Mr Ajmal's house has shocked the political circle and local Congress men. "I do not think anybody in the Congress High Command has authorized. If he has taken permission from any second rung leadership, I do not know" he said adding that the AUDF must end its identity and merge with the Congress.

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