Friday, May 13, 2011

Gogoi's hat-trick in Assam

GUWAHATI: Tarun Gogoi earned a larger-than-life place in the hearts of his fellow partymen by leading Congress to victory for the third successive time in Assam.

The writing on the wall was clear — the Congress won an absolute majority in the 126-member state assembly, winning in 78 seats. The majority mark in the Assam assembly is 64.

Despite winning a majority, the Congress is set to form the next government with its pre-poll ally, Bodoland People's Front (BPF), led by Hagrama Mohilary, a former militant. The BPF managed keep its hold on the Bodo heartland and improved its tally by winning 12 seats.

Gogoi proved he is the Congress's best mascot in Assam by leading the party to victory from panchayat to Parliament in all the elections, barring one, since 2001. He also showed, once again, that the people of Assam have no alternative to him at this juncture, when the state is seriously trying to buy peace with rebel outfit Ulfa.

The biggest surprise in this election was the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), led by perfume baron Badaruddin Ajmal. By winning 18 seats, the AIUDF emerged as the largest opposition party. Its 2006 tally was only 10.

The party, which champions the cause of Muslims, proved wrong the predictions of all exit polls.

The main opposition, AGP, which went all out against Gogoi, accusing his government of being neck-deep in corruption, faced a humiliating defeat and managed only 10 seats.

toi

No comments: