Assam polls: Congress enters into 'alliance' with UPP in BTAD area

Guwahati, Mar 6: Forming its first pre-poll "alliance" in Assam, Congress today said it will contest the forthcoming Assembly polls in an "understanding" with United People's Party (UPP) in Bodoland Territorial Area Districts (BTAD).

"We have entered into an alliance to defeat the communal BJP and its corrupt ally BPF. Our understanding is for social justice for all tribes, caste and communities of the state," Assam Pradesh Congress Committee President Anjan Dutta told a press conference here.

As per the "understanding" as of now, Congress has decided not to contest four seats -- Kokrajhar West, Kokrajhar East, Sidli and Chapaguri -- in BTAD and leave it for UPP, he added.

"Besides these four, we decided to have friendly contest in nine more seats, where both the parties will contest but with a mutual understanding. Some of these seats fall outside the BTAD also," Dutta said.

The nine constituencies are Gossaigaon, Barama, Tamulpur, Paneri, Bijni, Mazbat, Dhekiajuli, Udalguri, and Kaliagaon. "Bongaingaon, Gauripur, Sarbhog and Bhabanipur are the four seats on which we have not decided anything yet. In the next few days, we will finalise them," Dutta said.

Speaking on the occasion, UPP President U G Brahma said his party has always been fighting against the corruption by Bodoland People's Front, which has formed an alliance with BJP for the Assam Assembly polls this year.

"We thank CM Tarun Gogoi for his development initiatives aimed at the Bodo people across the state. With Congress, we will stop corrupt BPF and communal BJP," he added.

Dutta also said Congress is talking to another party for forming an alliance, but declined to divulge.

"Currently, many leaders from AGP, BJP and AIUDF are talking to us for joining the Congress. Some big leaders of these parties will join us on March 8.

"We have almost finalised our talks with All Koch Rajbongshi Students' Union President Biswajit Roy. He is likely to join us soon,," he added.

PTI