Guwahati: Congress on Thursday severed its alliance with Akhil Gogoi-led Raijor Dal ahead of the Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll.Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) accused Raijor Dal leaders of engaging in “malicious propaganda and character assassination” against Congress, violating the alliance’s norms and decorum.An APCC circular said that, on the direction of party president Gaurav Gogoi, Congress decided to sever all political ties with Raijor Dal.“It may be recalled that ahead of the previous Lok Sabha and assembly elections, the Congress forged an electoral alliance with Raijor Dal and several other regional and Left parties at the national level to send a united message against communal forces. However, throughout most of this period, the leadership of Raijor Dal indulged in propaganda and the worst kind of politics aimed at maligning and tarnishing the image of the Congress party,” APCC general secretary (organisation) Ramanna Baruah said in the circular.Baruah alleged that Raijor Dal leaders made “baseless and disrespectful remarks” against leaders of alliance partners.“In view of such conduct, which violates the principles, rules and dignity of an alliance, Congress has made it clear that it is no longer possible to maintain its relationship with Raijor Dal,” he said.Addressing the media at Rajiv Bhawan, Congress MP Rakibul Hussain said, “Whatever CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and his associates say, Akhil Gogoi parrots the same narrative just days later to attack Congress.”He added that Congress formally ended its alliance with Raijor Dal after consultations with its allies.Former APCC president Ripun Bora said, “Akhil Gogoi was a massive burden and liability for us. That deadweight has finally been lifted. The party and the high command have taken a highly timely and sound decision.”Ties soured after Akhil questioned Congress’s support in the Nagaon bypoll and warned that a Congress winner could later join BJP. The seat fell vacant after sitting Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi joined BJP and won the Dispur assembly seat.Tensions escalated after Akhil and other Raijor Dal leaders met CM Himanta Biswa Sarma over flood relief and other issues. Congress leaders mocked their photograph with Sarma on social media, drawing a sharp response from Raijor Dal.The parties also allied in the assembly election earlier this year, but differences surfaced after BJP’s victory.
