Gogoi meets PM, protests before Parliament

Special status for Assam

Charge of non-utilization of Central funds in the State should be verified at secretary level from both sides, suggests CM

A Correspondent

New Delhi, Dec 16: Piqued at the charge that the Centre has curtailed funds to Assam for the State government's failure to furnish utilization certificates, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Wednesday put up a suggestion to Prime Minister rendra Modi to nomite one secretary level officer each from Dispur and New Delhi to probe the actual status of utilisation of Central funds in the State.

"They (Centre), especially the DoNER ministry, keep claiming that we (Assam government) are not utilizing the funds…that's why they have stopped releasing any more funds. I have suggested to the Prime Minister to nomite one secretary each from the State and the Centre to verify the authenticity of such claims," said Gogoi after meeting Modi in New Delhi today.

"The Central government's suspension of special category status for Assam directly affects people and they are suffering because of this…We protested today and will continue to do so unless the rights for the Northeast are restored," said Gogoi.

As many as nine Congress MPs and Chief Minister Gogoi staged a demonstration in front of Parliament House in support of their demands.

"Unemployment is a grave issue, but the Central government is paying no heed to it," said Gogoi.

Gogoi is also believed to have sought an appointment from the Prime Minister so that all the CMs of Northeastern states meet him to apprise him about the situation. Modi reportedly turned down the request.

"Revival of North East Industrial & Investment Promotion Policy should be Centre's priority for the development of the Northeast," said Gogoi.

During his meeting with the Prime Minister, Gogoi also complained against Assam Governor PB Acharya.

"We need a full time Governor for our State…the present Governor is trying to create disturbances in the State," said Gogoi.

Talking to reporters outside, Gogoi also accused the BJP of politicizing the infiltration issue. "We have initiated the process to update the NRC. What have they (BJP) done about the issue during one and half year in office?" said Gogoi.

Taking a dig at the PM, Gogoi said Modi knows how to do "good marketing". "But the recent municipality election in Gujarat is a major setback for the BJP," Gogoi quipped.