AIUDF offers accident cover for workers

Fearing that BJP would perpetrate poll-related violence ahead of Assam elections, the Maulana Badaruddin Ajmal-led All India United Democratic Front has asked its workers to insure their lives against accidental deaths.

Addressing a workers’ meet at Hojai in Nagaon district, top AIUDF leader and its MP from Barpeta Sirajuddin Ajmal asked them to take life insurance with accident cover since the party anticipates hardline elements in BJP to unleash pre-poll violence.

“Our MP Sirajuddin Ajmal has given a proposal to our party workers to take insurance cover paying Rs 716 premium, which would get them Rs 2 lakh for injuries and Rs 5 lakh in case of deaths in poll-related violence” AIUDF said in a press statement on Monday.

Sirajuddin, younger brother of party Chief and perfume baron Maulana Badaruddin Ajmal, offered to help party workers financially to pay the premium if they cannot afford. AIUDF feels it is important to take responsibility for the safety and security of party workers.

BJP state unit condemned attempts by the AIUDF to suggest they would perpetrate violence, though observers believe it is a tactical move by the AIUDF to galvanise its workers since the party and the BJP would polarise voters on religious grounds that is certain to trigger some tension ahead of the polls.