Assam: Leaders of 2 regional parties to decide next CM in case of hung assembly

AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal With a fractured verdict expected in Assam, two regional party leaders are hoping to play kingmakers. All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief Badruddin Ajmal and Bodoland Peoples' Front (BPF) president Hagrama Mohilary-feel their support will be crucial for the formation of the next government in Assam.In 2006, the Congress, which won 53 seats, formed the Government with the support of 10 BPF MLAs. Though AIUDF had won one more seat than the BPF, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi preferred to shake hands with Mohilary. Gogoi believed that a hard line against the AIUDF, would help the Congress strengthen its position among tribal voters, who see AIUDF as a party championing the cause of immigrant settlers.Perfume baron Ajmal has not forgotten that snub and already put forward a condition to the Congress: if the party needs his support, Gogoi will not be the chief minister. In the run-up to the 2006 election, Gogoi had said, "Who is this Ajmal?" The AIUDF chief, confident of increasing his tally this time, retaliated saying, "Who is Tarun Gogoi?" Sources say that Ajmal is also negotiating for a berth in the Union Cabinet as a reward for his support the Congress. The Lok Sabha MP from Dhuburi, however, brushed aside such reports and said that he would take a decision only after May 13. The AIUDF has fielded 86 candidates and hopes to dent the Congress vote.Though the chief minister claims publicly that his party will win 63 seats, Gogoi knows that the combined strength of the Congress and BPF may not be enough. That's why he softened his stand towards Ajmal and said, "We are ready to take AIUDF support if the situation demands."This has offended his current ally BPF. Soon after, Mohilary declared, "We would not stay for a second with the Congress if it takes support from Ajmal's party." While Mohilary shares a great rapport with Gogoi, there is no love lost between him and Congress President Bhubaneswar Kalita, who had campaigned aggressively against the BPF.Bodoland Peoples' Front (BPF) president Hagrama MohilaryMohilary's recent stance has brought cheer to the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) which hopes to make a comeback with BJP help. The regional party will also prefer to take Mohilary's support than Ajmal's as the AIUDF and BJP will never share a platform. Sources say that the BJP is even ready to support an AGP-AIUDF government from outside. "To form a non-Congress government, we will explore all possibilities," says Ranjit Dutta, state BJP President.With Mohilary and Ajmal in no mood to share power, both Congress and AGP will have to pick one amongst the two. Published By: AtMigration Published On: Apr 29, 2011 23:39 IST--- ENDS ---

Download App

Get 37% off on an annual Print +Digital subscription of India Today Magazine

Assam: Leaders of 2 regional parties to decide next CM in case of hung assembly

Leaders of two regional parties will decide the next chief minister if there is a hung Assembly.

PUBLICATIONS

TELEVISION

EVENTS

RADIO

GAMING

USEFUL LINKS

PRINTING

WELFARE

DISTRIBUTION

SYNDICATIONS

WEBSITES

EDUCATION