AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal, Assam CM Tarun Gogoi meeting frequently; may form alliance for 2016 assembly polls

GUWAHATI: The All India United Democratic Front chief, Badruddin Ajmal, and Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi, who didn’t see eye to eye until recently, have been meeting frequently of late. On October 9 Ajmal went to Gogoi’s official residence to meet him. On Sunday, Ajmal again called on Gogoi. There is speculation that the two are negotiating to have an alliance for the 2016 assembly polls to counter BJP, which has been growing stronger in the state.

Asenior Congress leader said on condition of anonymity, “relationship between Ajmal and Gogoi has dramatically improved. There is better understanding between them. However for alliance to fructify, we will have to wait and see.” A section of AIUDF and Congress leaders favour an alliance to arrest the division of Muslim votes.

After the first meeting, Gogoi said there was nothing political in his meeting with perfume baron Ajmal. He claimed that the meeting was official and nothing more should be read between the lines. Gogoi said Ajmal and his group met him at his official residence on October 9 to submit a memorandum concerning doubtful-voters, national registrar of citizens and other issues.

AIUDF is vying for a larger role in the 2016 assembly polls. Gogoi had opposed any electoral understanding with Ajmal in 2011. AIUDF has dented Congress’ Muslim support base and ever since its formation in 2006, it has been improving its tally with each election. It clinched 10 seats in the 2006 assembly polls.