NEW DELHI, May 28 – The last word on the State Congress dissidence has not been said yet, as the group of disgruntled MLAs have landed in the capital to meet AICC leaders to press for their demand for removal of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi.
Within hours of Chief Minister Gogoi’s departure for Assam, the disgruntled MLAs landed here in batches from Guwahati. In all, an estimated 20 MLAs are expected to arrive, said sources in the dissident camp.
The sources said they have been invited by the AICC-appointed team of advisers. Though officially it has not been announced, a team has been constituted under the leadership of Ghulam Nabi Azad to look into the grievances of Himanta Biswa Sarma’s group. The other members of the team include Dr CP Joshi, who is the general secretary in-charge for Assam, and party treasurer Motilal Vohra.
While rejecting Gogoi’s resignation plea, the AICC had assured the rebel group that a team of observers would be appointed to talk to them.
While the group is gunning for Chief Minister’s head, Gogoi loyalists, however, are also upset with him for his handling of the situation.
According to sources in the Chief Minister’s camp, the AICC high command had given Gogoi a free hand to reshuffle his Council of Ministers, while asking him to continue.
But now, he appears to be reluctant to drop the trouble makers in his ministry, including Himanta Biswa Sarma.
“We are very disappointed and hence have decided not to come to Delhi anymore on behalf of the Chief Minister. At least 34 MLAs and Ministers had rushed to Delhi last week in support of the Chief Minister after the disgruntled MLAs raised the banner of revolt in Guwahati,” said a leader in the Chief Minister’s camp.
The Chief Minister had, in fact, told this newspaper that he had made up his mind to quit as he was hurt by the turn of events.
Meanwhile, the rebel group led by senior MLA Sarat Borkotoki is likely to meet the three-member team of observers on Wednesday.
