As expected, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) rallied round with former minister Rakibul Hussain in his ongoing feud with Anil Raja. The core committee of APCC suspended the latter on charges of indiscipline and anti-party activities on Monday. It may be mentioned that Raja had levelled allegations of massive corruption against Hussain earlier.
The situation inside Rajiv Bhawan also became tense for a while when two factions almost went at loggerheads. While one faction was supporting Rakibul, the other group was raising slogans like ‘Rakibul Murdabad.’
Interacting with media persons after the core committee meeting Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia said, “The core committee unanimously took the decision of suspending Raja from the party on charges of indiscipline and anti-party activities.” It was also decided that activities which go against the interest of the party won’t be tolerated.
“APCC President has been given full authority to take action against any such person who indulges in anti-party activity.”
When asked about the group of people who initiated trouble inside the campus of Rajiv Bhawan, Saikia said, “We are worried that many rogue elements have entered Congress. We were in power for fifteen years and at that time some people joined us to avail of government benefits. Now, when we are not in power, perhaps these people are trying to disturb the unity in the party at the behest of other parties. We need to identify these elements and banish them from the party.”
Rakibul Hussain who was also present in the meeting however was not willing to speak to the media. “Throughout my political career, I have never divulged anything about the party I am not authorised to say. I have filed a case against Anil Raja and the matter is sub-judice now. The party has taken its decision but because this is a very complicated matter, I won’t say anything on it” he signed off.
Party sources informed that Anil Raja didn’t respond to the show cause notice from APCC. He didn’t attend Monday’s meeting after he was heckled by Congress supporters on Sunday. His present whereabouts are reportedly unknown.
