Gogoi raring for 2016

By Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, March 24: Undaunted by the BJP surge, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said he is not only prepared for the 2016 Assembly elections but is also ready to lead the Congress in the battle of ballots.

Days ahead of BJP tiol president Amit Shah’s visit to the State, Gogoi, while responding to queries from jourlists, said, “Yes, they (BJP) will try their best. I have nothing to say. But the people have seen what they (BJP) did after lining up so many assurances. If the people still vote (for the BJP), I will have nothing to say.”

Dubbing the BJP an “ungrateful” party, Gogoi said the people of Assam have reposed faith in the party in the last Lok Sabha elections.

“Instead of being grateful, the BJP is now slashing Central funds meant for the State…forget about enhancing them.”

Gogoi also indicated that the four vacant berths in his ministry will be filled within April.

On reports that the Centre has rejected Sixth Schedule status to six ethnic communities of the State, the Chief Minister said he has not received any official communication from the Central government in this regard.

“Yes there are reports in the media. If those reports are not true, the government should have given a rejoinder. It has not done so. We would be happy if the six communities get Sixth Schedule status as was assured by the BJP before and after the Lok Sabha elections,” Gogoi said.

On the removal of State’s Principal Chief Conservator of Forests VK Vishnoi, the Chief Minister said there were charges against him.

“No matter how senior the officer is, if there are charges and evidence against any one, we will take strict action,” the Chief Minister warned.