Dissent grows louder within Assam BJP

By Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, July 10: There are more voices of dissent within the State BJP.

After gaon MP Rajen Gohain went vocal over selection of the plot for AIIMS, Mangaldai MP Ramen Deka is now speaking out against the decision of the State government to hike VAT rates.

Deka, also a party tiol secretary and former president of the State unit, yesterday submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister.

Speaking to jourlists, Deka said price rise was a poll issue of the BJP.

"As such, if the government wanted to hike VAT rates, it should have done it during the budget session… after taking everyone into confidence. There was no need to hurry and issue a notification," Deka said, adding he apprised the CM about his reservations.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal today admitted "some decisions" of the government has led to repercussions. "But let me assure you that the result of these decisions will benefit the people," he said at a meeting organized to felicitate the State rank-holders.

Sonowal reiterated his assurance at a meeting of BJP office bearers and asked party-men to dispel the doubts of the people.

On the other hand, Mangaldai MP Deka admitted that he would have been happy had he got a berth in the Union council of ministers.

"In any case, I am not coming back to State politics… I am not interested," he said of reports that he could be elevated as the State BJP president again.

"We had been with the party during its bad days. Now that good days have arrived, many are coming to the fold. I just wish their actions do not malign the party," he added.