- Flood-hit people found Gaurav Gogoi’s presence merely symbolic

Guwahati, 13 August (HS): Assam Pradesh BJP spokesperson Kamal Kumar Medhi on Thursday accused the Congress of seeking the support of AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal ahead of the Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll for consolidating the minority vote.

Addressing a press conference at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Bhawan, the BJP spokesperson alleged that the Congress had earlier described AIUDF as a communal party and a “B-team” of the BJP, but was now seeking its support for electoral gains.

Medhi claimed that the Congress and AIUDF had maintained an understanding for a long time, sometimes openly and sometimes discreetly. He alleged that their cooperation becomes visible during elections in central and lower Assam, while remaining less visible during elections in Upper Assam.

He further alleged that the Congress and its leadership were absent from the flood-affected areas of four Upper Assam districts during the recent devastating floods. According to him, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi’s visit to the affected areas was merely symbolic and the party failed to provide active assistance to flood victims.

In contrast, Medhi said BJP ministers, legislators and workers had been actively involved in relief and rehabilitation efforts. He said the Assam Pradesh BJP Medical Cell organised 21 medical camps between August 9 and 12 with the participation of 47 doctors and medical personnel, treating more than 2,500 patients in flood-affected areas.

He added that more than 300 volunteers had been working in flood-hit areas for around 25 days, providing various forms of assistance and helping with the reconstruction of damaged houses.

BJP media panelists Ashish Bharali and Arjun Chhetri were also present at the press conference.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash