BJP tastes first-round defeat: APCC

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, June 19: Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) vice-president Ripun Bora today said that the BJP had the taste of first-round defeat when the party scaled down from its target of 'mission 84' to getting simple majority in the Assembly elections slated to be held in 2016 in the State.

Talking to newsmen in the city today, Bora said: "The BJP's dream of making it to Dispur in 2016 will never be translated into reality. If you don't have the power to lift a heavy load, don't try to heave it."

Bora said: "The BJP has been out with a false propaganda on the utilization certificates of Central funds in Assam. The BJP's allegation is not based on facts that Dispur failed to give accounts of Central funds for the past 14 years. In fact no state government can stay without giving accounts of Central funds annually. Dispur gave the accounts of all Central funds from 2001 to fiscal 2013-14. The accounts of Central funds for fiscal 2015-16 is to be given by September 30, 2015. The BJP leaders should know all such office rules before making any glib comments."

Bora said that three months have elapsed after the formation of the NITI Ayog. "The Centre is yet to spell out which states will get what amount of amounts. This uncertainly has led many of the States to table Vote on Accounts, instead of full-fledged Budgets," Bora said, and added: "The BJP is now shedding crocodile tears for the flood-affected people of the State. During their visits to the State, both the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister promised flood aid, but we are yet to get Rs 2534.15 crore from the Centre on flood aid head. Only Rs 288 crore was released under this head from the Centre. An estimate of Rs 6,700 crore was sent to the Centre for the construction of embankments, and their repair and renovation, but not a single paisa is released as yet."

Reacting to BJP's tiol general secretary Ram Madhab's comment yesterday that a government of 'jhooth aur loot' is at Dispur, Bora said: "The BJP only thinks for the corporate sector, not for the common people. The latest comment made by senior BJP leader LK Advani has made is clear beyond doubt that the BJP is a one-man party. Only Modi's writ runs in the party."