Senior Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) leader Jayanta Khaund joins Congress
Khaund left the AGP expressing anger after the regional party gave the Ranganadi constituency to the BJP as part of its electoral alliance. Khaund was looking to get a ticket from Ranganadi in the assembly polls.
Khaund formally joined the Congress party in the presence of Assam Pradesh Congress Committee President Gaurav Gogoi; Jitendra Singh, General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee; DK Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, who is also responsible for the party’s election affairs in Assam; AICC Secretary Manoj Chauhan; and senior Congress leaders Satyabrata Kalita and Binanda Saikia.
APCC President Gaurav Gogoi said, “A few days ago, Jayanta Khaund contacted us and expressed his desire to join the Congress. We warmly welcome his decision. The district and constituency he represents showed great enthusiasm and Congress leaders and workers there were also highly encouraged. Today, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa joined the Congress to work against Sarma’s arrogance.”
“Today, some leaders in the ruling party in Assam still practice the politics of sacrifice and principles. But the Prime Minister is trying to push such leaders out of politics. Instead, he prefers to encourage those who obey him and are involved in corruption,” Gogoi said.
When asked about the possibility of alliance with Raijor Dal, Gogoi reiterated that efforts were being made to form alliances with all opposition parties. He said talks on seat sharing with three political parties have already been completed and talks with others are progressing positively. He expressed hope that the current obstacles will be eliminated in the coming days.
Speaking at the event, Assam in-charge Jitendra Singh welcomed Jayanta Khaund to the Congress family and touched upon his association with the All Assam Students Union movement and Asom Gana Parishad: “The Congress party is like a deep and vast ocean. It is a matter of great pride for me to have the opportunity to join such a great and historic party.” said Khaund.
