Assam ElectionGUWAHATI, April 18: Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) leader and former chief minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta today took on Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on the issue of regionalism.
Addressing a press conference here at his residence, Mahanta said, ‘‘Dr Singh is of the view that regionalism is not playing its part towards the growth of nation. He is wrong. I feel that regionalism could fulfil the aspiration of the people in the region. Even Jammu and Kashmir was saved by India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru by having the National Conference on board,’’ he said. Expressing optimism about the performance of the AGP-BJP alliance, he alleged that the Congress had always won since 1991, due to division of votes.
‘‘Now the situation has changed. Division of votes has been blocked. The Congress has no alternative other than resorting to rigging, like they did in Karimganj Lok Sabha constituency, in the first phase of polling,’’ he said.(Agencies)
ACC meet today
GUWAHATI, April 18: The Assam Chamber of Commerce (ACC) will be holding a general meeting of all traders and businessmen on April 19 at 3 pm at Bishnu Nirmala Bhawan with a view to actively discussing ways and means to launch protest programmes peacefully against the recent GMC tax hike imposed on traders in Guwahati. THE SENTINEL
CM refutes rigging charges
GUWAHATI, April 18: Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today denied charges of rigging in the Karimganj Lok Sabha constituency, adding that allegations were levelled by the Opposition fearing defeat. ‘‘Our information suggests that the opposition is being routed and hence they are alleging widespread rigging. But this was not true,’’ said Mr Gogoi in a statement amid an independent report doing the round that rigging did take place and that Congress strongman and Asom Excise Minister Gautam Roy and his MLA son allegedly used both Congress goons and jawans for the purpose. THE SENTINEL
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