Anna Disciple Akhil Gogoi to launch jail bharo programmes against Land Bill

GUWAHATI: Former team Anna member and peasant leader Akhil Gogoi launched a new political outfit, Gana Mukti Sangram Asom, on Friday, appealing to the people to support change of government.

"Our aim is not election but struggle for the betterment of people. Provide food those who are producing it and not getting it," Gogoi told a gathering at Diroi Rangoli in Moran of Sivasagar district during the fourth biennial session of Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti’s (KMSS), of which he is president.

The announcement, however, took Gandhian leader Anna Hazare by surprise, because in 2013 Gogoi had joined Hazare in criticizing Arvind Kejriwal for launching the Aam Admi Party. Hazare, who was present during the session, said, "People ask me if Akhil will join politics, I say no way. I have confidence he will not join politics. Why will he fight election for at best he can be an MLA or MP, but being here he can fight for the masses. It is better to go to jail for the cause of masses than to go to parliament."

Terming the land acquisition Bill as anti-farmer, Hazare said he will oppose it by launching jail bharo programmes across the country. "Accha din promised by the new government came only for big corporates and industrialists."

Gogoi has been opposing construction of mega dams in northeast India. His agitation for the landless in Guwahati has earned for him a large following.