Assam Cong chief Gaurav Gogoi makes electoral debut in Assembly polls, files nomination from Jorhat

Gaurav Gogoi alleged that the BJP was insulting women by forcing beneficiaries to attend rallies and meetings organised by the party.

Jorhat: Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi on Monday filed his nomination papers from Jorhat assembly seat, making his electoral debut in the state polls.

Gogoi, who is also the deputy leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, visited religious places of all communities before starting his rally from Jorhat stadium.

The procession, which saw participation from a large number of people, concluded at the district commissioner’s office after around three hours.

Congress is part of the six-party opposition alliance comprising the Raijor Dal, Assam Jatiyatabadi Party (AJP), CPI(M), CPI(ML) and the All Party Hill Leaders Conference (APHLC).

Supporters of the alliance partners, along with their respective flags, were seen as part of the procession.

Gogoi told reporters before filing his nomination that the upcoming assembly election was an "opportunity to cleanse Assam politics".

"During the last few years, politics in the state has stooped to a very low level, for which we feel ashamed when we are in other parts of the country", he said.

He urged people to take "collective responsibility" to help cleanse society and politics.

''A Congress government will also ensure that all women will get the benefits of the various schemes without having to attend any party meeting or rallies'', he said.

Gogoi alleged that the BJP was insulting women by forcing beneficiaries to attend rallies and meetings organised by the party.

"Funds for various schemes belong to the government and not to any political party. However, to benefit from these schemes, women are forced to attend meetings and listen to BJP leaders on Sundays. This is an insult to them," he said.

He promised to fulfil the aspirations of the people and build a ''new and developed'' Assam.

Gogoi set out early to offer prayers at Jorhat Gurudwara, Burhi Gosain Devalaya, Macharhat Namghar, Tarajan Masjid and the Jail Road Church.

The Jorhat MP also visited his family home in Nazir Ali area and offered prayers before the portrait of his father and former chief minister Tarun Gogoi.

He will engage in a direct fight with veteran BJP politician and sitting MLA Hitendranath Goswami, who has represented the seat for five terms -- thrice consecutively since 1991 as an AGP candidate and twice since 2016 for the saffron party.

The last date for filing of nomination papers is on Monday, while the documents would be scrutinised on March 24, and the last date for withdrawal is March 26.

Elections to the 126-member assembly will be held on April 9, and the votes will be counted on May 4.