Guwahati, 05 October (HS): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday criticised the Citizens’ Justice Party (CJP), alleging that its activities were against the interests of the people of Assam. He also took a dig at the Congress over its MLAs visiting the protest site of Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi.

Speaking to reporters after attending the inauguration of the Bongaigaon Medical College and Hospital, Sarma said CJP had faced criticism not only from the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) but also from him.

“CJP has not only been criticised by AASU, I have also criticised it. The activities of the CJP are against the interests of the people of Assam,” he said.

Rejecting suggestions of any political understanding between the BJP and AASU, the Chief Minister said his views on organisations were based on specific issues. “There is no connection between AASU and the BJP,” he said, adding that he could support AASU or Akhil Gogoi depending on the issue.

Sarma also questioned CJP’s relevance in Assam, pointing to the presence of established student and community organisations such as AASU, ABSU, the Koch-Rajbongshi organisation and the Rabha Students’ Union.

On Congress MLAs visiting Gogoi’s protest site, Sarma linked the development to the Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll scheduled for October 6. He said such developments were part of the political dynamics ahead of the election.

Gogoi has been holding an indefinite protest at the Assam Assembly premises seeking enhanced compensation for flood-affected families. Sarma has separately alleged that the Raijor Dal MLA was attempting to take political credit for government relief measures.

Asked about the Supreme Court proceedings on the bail plea of Shyamkanu Mahanta in the case related to singer Zubeen Garg’s death, Sarma declined to comment, saying the matter was before the apex court. The Supreme Court on Monday deferred the matter for further hearing in the first week of November.-------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash