Assam Congress dissidents call truce for now

GUWAHATI: The faction-ridden Congress party in Assam has decided to set aside internal squabbles until after next year's general elections, under orders from the party high command and also unnerved by the BJP rising influence in the state.

The Congress high command has ordered leaders of both factions in state - the pro Tarun Gogoi one and the one opposing him - to patch up and present a united front in the Lok Sabha as the party is banking on the state to get maximum seats.

After an emotionally charged meeting, sought by around 32 MLAs opposed to Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and his style of functioning, that went on for around three hours on Saturday, it was decided to bury differences and prepare for the Lok Sabha elections.

The party has decided to form a five member panel to look into the grievances of MLAs.