Gaurav not experienced, can't be CM: Gogoi

CM scotches reports of 'sonrise' in 2016 elections

By Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, Jan 12: Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today ruled out elevating his son Gaurav Gogoi as the State's next Chief Minister, saying the 32-year-old MP from Kaliabor is not experienced enough to occupy the chair.

Some leaders of the Congress have been projecting Gaurav as the Chief Ministerial candidate in the upcoming assembly elections, creating rumblings within the party.

Responding to queries from jourlists on the issue, the Chief Minister said, "How can he be CM? It is (the reports) false. The people of Assam will decide who will be the CM. He does not have the experience. I will oppose it if anyone projects him as the CM."

The Chief Minister was speaking to jourlists on the sidelines of a function organized by the State Congress unit today.

Meanwhile, former All Tai Ahom Students Union president Pranjal Rajkonwar, former Bengali Yuba Chatra Federation president Sukumar Biswas and former Gauhati University Students' Union general secretary Prab Talukdar joined the Congress along with their supporters today.

All Assam Tribal Sangha leader Aditya Khaklary will also join the Congress after Bhogali Bihu.

"People's faith in the Congress is increasing. That is why leaders from different organizations are coming to join the party. The wind is blowing in our favour now. People have realized that it is the Congress which can ensure commul harmony is not disturbed in the State," the Chief Minister said at the function.

Renewing his attack on the BJP, Gogoi said, that in 2014, there was a "cyclone" in the State in which the Congress was washed away. "The cyclone left a trail of destruction in the State. In recent past, there have been earthquakes in Delhi, Bihar and Uttarakhand in which the BJP was routed. The BJP will face similar quakes in 2016 at Assam, West Bengal and Tamil du," Gogoi added.