Settle fight or show numbers, Assam CM Tarun Gogoi told

GUWAHATI: The All-India Congress Committee has asked Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi to resolve the political crisis in the state within a week or convene a legislature party meeting and prove that he has the support of majority of MLAs. This, however, could prove an uphill task for Congress’ poster boy in Assam, as the dissent camp, too, has numbers and is showing no signs of rapprochement.

Gogoi, who had won every election till 2012, is now facing a political storm in the state, with some 40 rebel MLAs opposing his leadership. Congress has 79 MLAs in the House of 126. Within seven months, Gogoi will once again have to convene a CLP and prove that he still has the backing of the majority.

In October last year, both factions had decided to stop squabbling and fight the Lok Sabha polls. Taking advantage of the party’s poor show in the elections, the rebel camp started seeking Gogoi’s ouster. With renewed attack and an poll drubbing, Gogoi has gone quiet and is said to be avoiding reporters.

On Tuesday, Gogoi had discussions with Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, AICC general secretary in charge of Assam, CP Joshi, and senior leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad and Ahmed Patel.