Gaurav Gogoi on March 12 indicated that he may hold a courtesy meeting with Hemant Soren after the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) signalled interest in entering Assam’s electoral politics ahead of the upcoming Assam Legislative Assembly elections.
Speaking to reporters in Ranchi, Gogoi said he would try to meet the Jharkhand Chief Minister but noted that such discussions are better held privately.
“Jharkhand CM has visited Assam, and we will try to have a courtesy call with him. These things are not to be revealed in the media. We will keep our views in an official meeting,” Gogoi said.
Soren, who also heads the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, had visited Assam earlier this week, where he called for tribal unity and attended an iftar gathering.
Gogoi is currently in Jharkhand as part of the Congress party’s efforts to strengthen its strategy ahead of the Assam Assembly elections. He said the visit aims to seek support from leaders of the Jharkhand unit of the Indian National Congress.
“Ahead of the Assam elections, the AICC has appointed Bandhu Tirkey as a senior observer. He has visited all the districts in Assam and understands the problems faced by the people there. We have come here on behalf of the Assam Pradesh Congress to discuss with Jharkhand Congress leaders how their senior leaders can help strengthen the Congress in the upcoming Assam elections and give a new direction to society in Assam,” Gogoi said.
The Assam Congress president is also expected to contest the Assembly elections from the Jorhat constituency.
Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Pawan Khera said discussions on seat-sharing with alliance partners are ongoing.
Addressing a press conference in Guwahati, Khera said the party is considering ground surveys and public opinion while negotiating with allies.
“Discussions continue for seat-sharing with allies, keeping in view the ground survey and public opinion,” he said.
Khera also criticised Himanta Biswa Sarma, alleging corruption and claiming that the Congress’ confidence stems from the ground situation.
“Our confidence doesn’t come from bravado. Our confidence comes from the ground situation. Whether it is Rs 9,000 or Rs 90,000, people want to get rid of this corrupt man,” he said.
Assam is scheduled to hold its Assembly elections later this year, with the Bharatiya Janata Party aiming for a third consecutive term in power, while the Congress is seeking to return to power in the state.