Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi plays language card ahead of September 13 by polls

GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi plays language card ahead of by elections to three legislative constituencies which is going to polls on September 13.

Silchar, Lakhipur and Jamunamukh are going to polls. Congress had won both Barak valley seats of Silchar and Lakhipur in 2011 Assembly elections, Jamunamukh is the strong hold of All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), led by perfume baron Badaruddin Ajmal.

Government of Assam has withdrawn the circular PLC 14/2011/39 dated 30th November 2013 regarding use of Assamese as official language in Barak Valley with immediate effect.According to the government the circular that created confusion in some circles was not actually meant for Barak Valley.

The latest circular PLC14/2011/47 issued on Tuesday by the Political (B) Department, Government of Assam said that the official language of Barak Valley (Bengali) will continue to be used for all official works. The circular issued at the directive of Chief Minister is to remove the misapprehension regarding use of official language in Barak Valley.

Faced with rebellion from a section of congress leaders who are seeking Gogoi’s ouster by elections has become crucial for Gogoi. Congress was decimated in Lok Sabha polls in its bastion Assam this fuelled oust Gogoi campaign.

Political analyst pointed out that BJP is giving tough fight to congress in two Barak valley seats. Defeat of congress will mean that anti Gogoi camp in congress will use the opportunity to regroup and seek his removal. Gogoi is playing the language card as it is emotive issue there and BJP has made considerable inroards there.

In Cachar district's Silchar and Lakhipur assembly seats, the main contest is between the ruling Congress and BJP.In Nagaon district's Jamunamukh constituency, the main contest is between the Congress and the AIUDF.

By-election for Silchar seat was necessitated following Congress legislator Susmita Dev's election to the Lok Sabha while Lakhipur seat fell vacant after the death of sitting MLA and former minister Dinesh Prasad Goala.

Jamunamukh seat was vacated by AIUDF legislator Sirajuddin Ajmal, who earlier was elected to the Lok Sabha from Barpeta constituency. Abdur Rahim Ajmal, son of AIUDF chief Ajmal is contesting from this seat.