The Hindu : National : We are the real AGP, assert Mahanta loyalists

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Monday, Sep 12, 2005

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National

We are the real AGP, assert Mahanta loyalists

Sushanta Talukdar

Say a majority of the party rank and file is with their leader

GUWAHATI: The supporters of expelled Asom Gana Parishad leader and former Assam Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta on Sunday claimed they were the real AGP and vowed to demonstrate their strength at a two-day convention on September 14 and 15.

Speaking to presspersons, expelled AGP MLAs, Sahidul Alam Choudhury, Utpal Dutta and general secretary Kartik Hazarika said a majority of the party rank and file was with Mr. Mahanta and were determined to fight the "autocracy" of party president Brindaban Goswami. They accused Mr. Goswami of spreading canards against capable party colleagues like Mr. Mahanta.

"The present leadership of Mr. Brindaban Goswami is busy in destroying the party and their main task is now to expel the workers whenever they remind the leaders at the helm of affairs about their duties," Mr. Choudhury said.

Feelers from other leaders

The rebel leaders said they were getting feelers from party leaders and workers who reposed their faith in Mr. Mahanta to lead the party in overthrowing the Congress from power. They, however, declined to divulge how many AGP legislators were with Mr. Mahanta and his loyalists in their efforts to stake claim for leadership.

The AGP president, on the other hand, has convened the party's central executive committee meeting on September 14 and a meeting of all district presidents the next day, coinciding with the two-day meet of the rebel faction.

Mr. Mahanta, founder-president of the AGP, was expelled from the party on July 3 on charges of anti-party activities.

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