Political deal or courtesy meet: What happened in Room no:102

GUWAHATI: At a time when by-poll in five constituencies of Assam is nearby and Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi is yet to seal a deal of alliance with any political party in the state, his recent meeting with powerful BJP Minister Pijush Hazarika has raised eyebrows of many.

While a possible understanding regarding  seat sharing is speculated by many, both the leaders have toned it down to a normal meeting  between a legislator and a minister.

The meeting that lasted for half an hour, was held on Sunday at Room no 102 of Assam House in New Delhi where Minister Pijush Hazarika was staying.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, Hazarika said, “ Both I and him are staying in Assam House. He came to my room and we had a cup of tea together. It would be wrong to say that we had a meeting. We did not discuss anything political. We talked about little bit of development- regarding his constituency and the state of Assam as a whole.”

However, according to sources, Gogoi discussed about the upcoming by-polls in Assam- especially about two seats- Thowra and Mariani. If sources are be to believed, Gogoi wanted to come into an understanding regarding putting up candidates in those constituencies.

Akhil Gogoi has denied having any political talks during the meeting.

“This is very simple. I am in Assam House and Pijush Hazarika is also there. He is staying in room no: 102 and we are staying in room no: 114 and 115. I saw him and I felt it would rude for me to not to talk.”

Gogoi also said that he is not going to compromise with his ideologies and if anyone suspects him just for meeting a Minister, it is disrespect towards him.

“I have been doing social activities in Assam since 2005. All my life has been about struggle, about not compromising. I consider myself as one of the most non-compromising man in Assam. If someone suspects me for meeting a Minister, that is disrespect towards me. I can meet any minister, be it the Chief Minister, the Prime Minster or any one. It is within my right. No one can oppose to that because as an MLA I can meet any minister at any time.” Gogoi said.

Gogoi claimed the meeting was about a social issue in Sivasagar district, where he represents the Sibsagar constituency.