Polarisation, consolidation of anti-Congress votes led to party’s poll debacle in Assam: Ripun Bora

GUWAHATI: Assam Pradesh congress committee ( APCC) president Ripun Bora on Sunday said that two way polarization of votes besides consolidation of anti congress votes led to poll debacle of congress in recently held assembly polls.

APCC had a two day extended executive meeting to analyse the reason for the grand old party’s humiliating defeat in Assam. A party leader even clamored to assign Priyanka Gandhi active role in the party.

Bora told ET that BJP polarized votes playing the Hindutava card while All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) played the Muslim card. There was consolidation of anti congress votes as most of the non congress parties came together.

He added that congress was battling anti incumbency for it was ruling the state for last 15 years. “There was huge communication gap between the ministers, MLAs and grassroots workers. The party workers were over confident and this cost the party hugely.”

The new APCC president added, “There were anomalies, mismanagement in the selection of beneficiaries in several government schemes.”

Former chief minister, Tarun Gogoi however explained, “How long can people see the same face. I was in power for three consecutive which is a landmark in Assam history. People wanted new face, so we were voted out.”

Congress in 2016 assembly polls was reduced to 26 from 78 MLAs of 2011. Congress MLA, Rupjyoti Kurmi expressed dissatisfaction on the role of AICC general secretary in-charge for Assam Dr CP Joshi. “Priyanka Gandhi must take active role in the party.”