Assam Congress decides to cut ties with AIUDF; BPF unwilling to be part of grand alliance

Assam unit of Indian National Congress on Monday announced its decision to cut ties with Bodoland Peoples Front (BPF) and Bruddin Ajmal-led All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF). Congress said that it was unhappy with AIUDF's relationship with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Assam Congress spokesperson Bobbeeta Sharma informed that core committee meeting, which was chaired by party's state president Bhupen Bora, observed that AIUDF's "behaviour and attitude in relation with BJP has baffled members of Congress."

" continuous and mysterious praise of BJP and chief minister by AIUDF leership and senior members have affected public perception of Congress party," she said.

Sharma said that decision to remove AIUDF from opposition's 'Grand Alliance' was unanimous and Congress High Command will be informed accordingly. She furr informed that BPF has expressed ir unwillingness to be part of this grand alliance. 

" state Congress president was given full authority to make a decision on matter and it was decided to inform high-command decision to break ties with party," Sharma said in a press statement.

Last week, reports suggested that BPF was in talks with BJP to form an alliance. State BJP president Bhabesh Kalita said that BPF h unofficial talks with saffron party but no conclusive decision has been taken yet.

Congress h formed "Grand Alliance" or "Mahajot" ahe of this year's assembly polls. Besides Congress, BPF and AIUDF, it also includes Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Jimochayan (Deori) People's Party (JDPP), CPI(M), CPI, CPI(ML), ivasi National Party (ANP) and Anchalik Gana Morcha. In assembly elections, alliance h won 50 seats, with Congress winning 29 Vidhan sabha seats, AIUDF 16, BPF four and CPI-M one.

By-polls in Assam

This development comes ahe of by-elections in state that have been necessitated in five seats due to deaths and resignations of legislators. One MLA each of BPF and United People's Party Liberal (UPPL) have died, while two have resigned from Congress to join BJP. Recently, AIUDF MLA Phanidhar Talukdar also said that he will resign from party and state assembly to join saffron party. By-polls are likely to be held by year-end.