PTI
GUWAHATI, JUNE 24
[dropcap]A[/dropcap]midst the controversy about aproposal on visa-free entry to Bangladesh nationals, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today accused the BJP of diverting people’s attention on the sensitive issue. In a statement here, the Chief Minister said that he brought the matter before the people as “illegal migration from Bangladesh is a very sensitive issue for Assam as well as other states of the Northeastern region.
He said that the proposal for visa-free entry to Bangladesh nationals under the age of 18 years and over the age of 65 years came up during an inter-ministerial meeting convened by the Ministry of External Affairs and chaired by Foreign Secretary in New Delhi on June 11.“Our Government strongly opposed the proposal on the ground that illegal migration from Bangladesh was a very sensitive issue in Assam and other Northeastern states and that visa-free entry would have repercussions in terms of negative public reactions,” Gogoi said.
“As the Ministry of Home Affairs conveyed that this new proposal would require more time for processing, the Ministry of External Affairs suggested that this could be initially considered for Bangladesh citizens of age below 10 years and over 70 years,” he said.
Stating that the proposal was turned down by the state government, he said “Our stand is clearly stated in the record of discussion.”
“The Ministry of External Affairs (BM Division) vide Office Memorandum No. I/ii/103/02/2010 dated 13th June, 2014 sent the Summary Record of Discussion that took place during the inter-ministerial meeting chaired by Foreign Secretary to Additional Chief Secretary H S Das and other officials of Government of Assam,” Gogoi added.
Gogoi admits differences of opinion in leadership issue
There were differences of opinion within the party over the demand for a change in the leadership, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said today, after an hour-long meeting with party observer Mallikarjun Kharge.
“Differences of opinion are there. Some want change in the leadership,” Gogoi said after his meeting with Kharge, who was sent here by Congress president Sonia Gandhi to assess the political situation following demands by dissidents for a change in the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leadership.
“Congress has to be united and work together to fight against the NDA and BJP. We have to face the next Lok Sabha polls,” the chief minister said.
Asked what could be the outcome of Kharge’s visit, Gogoi said, “I cannot predict Kharge’s report. He gave a patient hearing to each one’s views. The ultimate decision will be taken by the high command.”
Besides, meeting Gogoi yesterday and also this morning, Kharge met ministers, 71 MLAs, MPs and Congress leaders individually on the matter.
“Yesterday and today I met MLAs, MPs, Chief Minister, APCC president, Vice-President, office bearers; district Congress leaders, senior leaders, ex-MPs to know their views. I will submit my report to the high command,” Kharge said.
Sources in the Congress said that 55 MLAs from the dissidents camp met Kharge and Assembly Speaker Pranab Gogoi spoke to him over the phone.
Five MLAs from the Gogoi camp did not meet the Congress observer, they added.
On how soon a decision would be taken in this matter, Kharge said: “Only the high command can decide. Whatever decision the high command takes, all will be bound by it and all will work for strengthening the party.”
The dissident anti-Gogoi camp led by Education and Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma with the support of 55 Ministers and MLA has openly demanded change in the CLP leadership.
Rest of the 79 Congress MLAs and Ministers are stated to be Gogoi loyalists.
