#Guwahati : Asom Gana Parishad of the two main parties in the state once upon a time, is just a junior ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party for the Upcoming assembly polls. However, its two-time chief minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta tells ET in an exclusive interview that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is yet to look after Assam’s interests and deliver on his promises and he is unhappy with the number of seats given to AGP. Excerpts:
Modi has not been able to work for the interest of Assam. Despite strong opposition to the Indo-Bangladesh land swap deal, he went ahead with the deal and his government is out to give citizenship to a section of outsiders. Assam has accommodated enough people from Bangladesh. If Modi wants to make a policy, settle those whom he wants to give citizenship elsewhere in India, not Assam. Assam has not got its share in the development schemes announced by the present government, be it railways or infrastructure. Modi has failed to deliver for Assam despite the fact that he promised so many things prior to 2014 Lok Sabha polls. NDA government has curtailed special fiscal package of industrial policy meant for the northeast.
After ruling Assam for two terms, isn’t settling for 24/126 seats with BJP too little for AGP?
Personally, I am not happy with the number of seats given to AGP. BJP president Amit Shah assured that the number of seats will be increased after analysis of constituencies. There are several areas where AGP has not got seats, including Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Goalpara. Even things are not decided for Barak valley yet. A two-member committee from both parties has been constituted to look into the issue. Shah told me he will call me. I am yet to get call from Amit Shah, a week later.
What was the need for a AGP-BJP alliance when workers and leaders remained opposed?
In the changing political situation, and to keep Congress at bay, AGP had no option but cobble up a non-Congress alliance. There is opposition from our workers and party leaders have informed me that they are trying to talk to them and take workers into confidence.
Is it true that you were offered a governor’s post for supporting the alliance?
The alliance is for political expediency as it was clear that no major party would get a majority. It is false news that I supported alliance for governorship. This propaganda is spreading even in my constituency. Had I wanted to be governor, I would have moved out 10 years back. I want to remain a loyal worker of AGP.
Has AGP shed away its regionalism for the sake of alliance with BJP?
We cannot do away with regionalism. National parties can never take our place. In Assam, AGP is still relevant and this election will prove how effective regionalism is.
Is the theme ‘making government of indigenous people’ meant to bring back anti-foreigner emotions?
We want implementation of Assam Accord, permanent solution to Assam’s flood and erosion problem and rights of indigenous people over the state’s natural resources.
What do you say about the framework agreement between the Centre and NSCN-IM done last year?
I have no problem with the framework agreement. However, Assam’s geographical and political interests have to be protected. Since the document is not in public domain, I cannot say what is there is in it. The government should have placed the agreement in Parliament.
What is your reaction to Congress claim that AGP government of 1996-2001 indulged in ‘extra judicial killing’ of Ulfa members?
There were several commissions to probe the killings but nothing came out. It is a political vendetta which Congress pursues. Chief minister Tarun Gogoi said that he will use secret killing issue politically. Gogoi tries to fan emotions by bringing back the killings. He has nothing else to do. by ET,
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