The party is in a dilemma over a formal tie up with AIUDF as one section of party leaders feels an alliance would hamper the party’s performance in Upper Assam while the other favours a grand alliance having the Badruddin Ajmalled outfit a part of it, if the Congress has to take on the ruling BJP-led front.
The AIUDF has proposed a Mahagatbandhan (grand alliance) of opposition parties to take on the BJP led coalition in Assam elections next year. In 2016 assembly polls, Congress had rejected the alliance offer.
All India Mahila Congress president Sushmita Dev told ET, “The party has launched a survey for prospective candidates. Obviously the survey will gauge public mood if party should go for tie up with other parties like AIUDF. The report will be submitted in January and after that AICC will decide on alliances.”
A senior Congress leader, who did not want to be named, told ET, “Congress must not have pre poll tie up rather it must have understanding with AIUDF where seats are adjusted as per the win ability. Formal tie up with AIUDF will result in Congress suffering reverses in Upper Assam.”
AICC general secretary in-charge of Assam Jitendra Singh recently said no decision has been taken regarding tie up with AIUDF, and that alliances are decided by AICC. The Congress and AIUDF had an understanding for the recently held Bodoland territorial council (BTC) elections, however, while the Congress managed to win just one seat, AIUDF drew a blank.
After the Congress party’s dismal performance in Bihar, Badaruddin Ajmal, who is also a Lok Sabha MP, said the party will think a thousand times before rejecting the offer of a grand alliance for Assam.