Guwahati, 22 September (HS): The Assam Pradesh Congress intensified its campaign for the Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election with a massive workers’ meeting at the playground of Kathani Madhyamik Vidyalaya in Lahorighat, Morigaon district, on Tuesday. Senior Congress leaders, including party’s Assam in-charge Bhupesh Baghel, APCC president and MP Gaurav Gogoi, Leader of Opposition Wazed Ali Choudhury, AICC secretary Manoj Chauhan, Prithviraj Sathe, MLA Rakibuddin Ahmed, local MLA Dr Asif Nazar and party candidate Shivamoni Bora, attended the meeting.

Addressing the gathering, former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel accused the BJP-led governments of failing on inflation, unemployment and flood management. He alleged that rising prices of essential commodities and repeated cancellation of examinations due to question paper leaks had added to public difficulties. Baghel also alleged that Assam’s natural resources were being handed over to corporate interests.

Referring to the reported attack on the Congress convoy in Samaguri, Baghel alleged that the incident reflected the BJP’s apprehension over the by-election. He said Congress workers would not be intimidated and called upon party supporters to ensure that Shivamoni Bora wins Lahorighat by a margin of at least 1.5 lakh votes.

Gaurav Gogoi recalled the political legacy of former minister Nazrul Islam and former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi in Lahorighat. Alleging that BJP was attempting to influence Congress workers and panchayat representatives through threats and inducements, Gogoi said the large gathering demonstrated the party’s organisational strength.

Gogoi also criticised Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over what he described as an understanding with AIUDF leader Badruddin Ajmal. Using a political analogy, he said Sarma turns to Ajmal whenever he faces political difficulties. Gogoi further highlighted Congress’s role during the NRC process and its legal support for people affected by citizenship-related issues.

Congress candidate Shivamoni Bora appealed to voters not to be influenced by alleged inducements during the election campaign. Referring to the presence of ministers in Lahorighat ahead of the by-election, she questioned their absence from the constituency during earlier difficulties faced by residents. Bora urged voters to support the Congress and ensure a decisive victory for the party.

The meeting was part of the Congress campaign to strengthen its grassroots organisation across the Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency ahead of the October 6 by-election.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash