CLP fails to select Opposition leader, pushes ball to high command’s court

BY OUR STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI, May 27: The Congress legislature party (CLP) meeting held at Hotel Rajashree Inn near LGBI airport on the city outskirts today failed to decide on who will be the leader of the Opposition.

A Congress party insider privy to the meeting said that now the party high command will select the Opposition leader before the Assembly session scheduled to be held from June 1.  Congress party sources claimed chances are more either for former PWD minister Ajta Neog or zira MLA Debobrata Saikia to be selected as Opposition leader. Former minister Rakibul Hussain is also in the race for the post.

AICC leaders Ambika Soni, CP Joshi and Abish Pandey were present in the meeting as central observers, which was attended by all the 26 newly elected Congress legislators including former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi.  

Talking to reporters after the meeting, the former chief minister accepted his responsibility for the Congress debacle in the Assembly polls.  

“Yes, I am responsible for the poll debacle. People of Assam wanted change, so they have given huge mandate to BJP alliance. People have given us mandate to play the role of opposition, we will play that role sincerely,” Gogoi said.  

When asked about the new government’s decision to cut down the number of vehicles in the chief minister’s convoy, Gogoi welcomed the decision.  Regarding the new government’s decision to abolish all check gates which had allegedly become hubs corruption, Gogoi said, “Yes I failed to curb graft. I welcome the government’s decision to close down check gates.”