NDA cannot stifle my voice by taking away NSG cover: Tarun Gogoi

GUWAHATI: Irked with BJP led government in Centre deciding to remove the NSG cover of former Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi, the octogenarian politician said that there is still threat to his life for during his 15 year stint as the chief minister he took several decisions which effected the militants.

Gogoi claimed that he has received a letter informing him that his NSG cover is withdrawn. Gogoi said that former chief minister, Prafulla Kumar Mahanta who ceased to be chief minister in 2001 is still covered by NSG.

Mahanta is leader of Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), which is an ally of BJP led government in Assam.

“Within six months of BJP government power in Assam, they are out to take away my NSG cover. Before assembly polls held in March-April, I asked the state police intelligence department if there is threat to my life, police said there is threat. However I do not understand how suddenly the threat has gone away.”

Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal is included in the category of Z plus security. Gogoi said, “This move is nothing but a case of political Vedanta as I am vocal against the policies of the BJP government and Prime minister, Narendra Modi.”

Gogoi said, “By taking away security cover NDA government cannot stifle my voice. Assam government must have been consulted by Ministry of Home Affairs before taking this decision.”

There was attempt to strip former chief minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta of NSG security in 2010. Later Mahanta moved Gauhati High court and got restored his security cover.