Cong MP walks out of meet to forge oppn unity against BJP

Guwahati: Efforts to forge opposition unity against BJP faced a hurdle on Saturday when Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi left a meeting in displeasure. The gathering, organised by Axom Nagarik Samaj under intellectual Hiren Gohain's guidance, took place at a Sonapur resort near the city.
The closed-door session, attended by representatives from Left parties, Raijor Dal, and Assam Jatiya Parishad, aimed to consolidate anti-BJP forces. Bordoloi's unexpected departure, triggered by perceived disrespect towards his party's leadership, created confusion among those anticipating positive developments.
Post-meeting, Axom Nagarik Samaj advisor and former DGP Harekrishna Deka announced, "It has been decided to constitute a united forum against BJP." State PCC chief Bhupen Kumar Borah remained present throughout the proceedings.
In conversation with TOI, Bordoloi expressed strong disapproval of the disparaging remarks about Congress and its leadership. He emphasised that Congress supports unity among ideologically aligned parties willing to oppose the "divisive policies of the RSS and BJP-led govt".
"We aim to include everyone in the plan. However, if somebody makes disrespectful remarks about my leader and party during the meeting, that is unacceptable. As an individual, I withdrew from that meeting," Bordoloi explained to TOI.
While approximately eight political parties participated, the meeting's resolutions remained confidential. Sources indicated heated exchanges regarding previous alliance experiences, with regional and Left parties expressing concerns about Congress's reluctance to share electoral seats.
Previous unity attempts faltered when Congress declined to cede the Behali assembly seat to CPI-ML during by-elections last year, resulting in BJP's victory. Similar issues arose when Congress refused CPM's request for the Barpeta LS seat. The ASOM alliance dissolved after both Congress and APHLC contested the Diphu LS seat, followed by Congress's decision to contest Behali in the Nov by-elections.