After dent in Congress, fissures appear in AGP

BY Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, Sept 3: After engineering an imminent split in the Congress, the BJP now has its eyes on the AGP. Giving credence to reports that some AGP MLAs have been holding talks with the BJP leadership, Sootea legislator Padma Hazarika was today seen with State BJP president Siddhartha Bhattacharjee at a city restaurant. The meeting lasted for about an hour.

Though both leaders parried questions by jourlists, sources said Hazarika joining the BJP has been filized.

When asked, Hazarika said, "We discussed the present political situation. We want to install an anti-Congress government in the State. People want change."

When asked about Hazarika joining the BJP, Bhattacharjee said it is not yet filized. "Time will tell," he said.

On reports that Dhakuakha MLA ba Kumar Doley will also join the BJP, the State BJP president quipped, "Wait and see. It is too early to say anything." Meanwhile, sources said former AASU general secretary Tapan Kumar Gogoi - a ticket aspirant from Sori - may join the BJP on September 9. On the other hand, nine rebel Congress legislators will hold a meeting with Himanta Biswa Sarma tomorrow to chalk out their strategy on joining the BJP.