AGP still in two minds

BJP or Congress?

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI, Feb 9: Which direction will the AGP elephant head for? With the assembly polls nearing, the possibility of electoral alliance between the AGP and the BJP is now the hot topic of political discussion in the State.

In the midst of all this speculation, AGP leaders on Tuesday called an important meeting at the legislative assembly, discussing the pros and cons of an alliance with the BJP or a possible understanding with the Congress.

The meeting was attended by party president Atul Bora, working president Keshab Mahanta, former Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, AGP legislature party leader Phanibhushan Choudhury and others.

However, like the previous meeting, today’s meeting too witnessed differences of opinion among party leaders as some favored going with the BJP while others favored an understanding with the Congress. Those who favored going with the BJP said that as the AGP has been always against the Congress ideology since its inception in 1985, they should not join hands with the party now. It also argued that the anti-incumbency wave doesn’t favor going with the Congress.

However, the meeting failed to reach a fil conclusion.

Meanwhile, speaking to the media on Tuesday, BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “We wanted the AGP to come with us. We have laid down our conditions. Now the ball is in their court, let them decide.”