I am CM because of people want me to be: Gogoi

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has sent a strong word of precaution to the group of dissidence within the Congress Legislature Party by reminding them that he has been the chief minister of the State since 2001 only because of the confidence imposed on his by the people of Assam and will remain in the chair as long as the people desire so.

“Since 2001, I have been trying hard to facilitate rapid overall change for better in every sector in the state while some people now want the chief minister to be changed. It is now people of Assam to have the final say,” Gogoi said while addressing a gathering in Nagaon in central Assam.

Armed with the confidence of the Congress high command, Gogoi already belittled the voice of dissent raised by a small group of mostly young Congress members of Legislative Assembly, by saying, “Dissidence has been reduced to zero and I will remain the chief minister. If someone tries to force me out, I will remain for longer.”

Meanwhile, the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee has issued a stern warning to any party MLA and leader who speaks to the media or in public against the leadership of the party or the chief minister.

A party spokesman said here that such unruly behaviour on part of party MLAs or any leader would call for serious disciplinary action.

The APCC leadership has stated that party members and legislators may express their grievances, if any, in a proper forum within the party, or to the chief minister, or even before the AICC but not before the media or in public.

The stricture came in the wake of some party MLAs resorting to criticism of the style of functioning of Gogoi before the media, creating an impression in the mind of the people that all is not well within the ruling Congress.