'Mahajoot' will come to power in Assam: Sitaram Yechury

* Common Minimum Programme will be finalized after government formation, says CPI(M) leader

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Congress-led 'Mahajoot' (Grand Alliance) will come to power in Assam and a CMP (Common Minimum Programme) will be finalized after formation of the government, claimed CPI-M (Communist Party of India-Marxist) national general secretary Sitaram Yechury while addressing a press conference at the State office of CPI (M) at Hedayetpur here on Sunday morning.

The Congress has formed the 'Mahajoot'The Congress-led 'Mahajoot' (Grand Alliance) will come to power in Assam and a CMP (Common Minimum Programme) will be finalized after formation of the government, claimed CPI-M (Communist Party of India-Marxist) national general secretary Sitaram Yechury while addressing a press conference at the State office owith the AIUDF (All India United Democratic Front), BPF (Bodoland People's Party), CPI (Communist Party of India), CPI (Marxist Leninist), CPI (Marxist), AGM (Anchalik Gana Morcha), RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal), ANP (Adivasi National Party) and Jimochayan (Deori) People's Party (JPP) to fight the current Assembly election to prevent the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) and its alliance partners from coming power in the State for the second time.

Further, the veteran Communist leader took strong exception to the relaxation granted by the ECI (Election Commission of India) on its campaign ban of BJP Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma; and said there is a "big question" on the neutrality of the ECI.

"There is a big question on the ECI's neutrality. We want the ECI to remove this question. It is not only the poll panel's duty, but a responsibility to the Constitution of India," said Yechury.

The ECI on Saturday reduced the 48-hour ban on Sarma from campaigning to 24 hours after he tendered an "unconditional apology" and assured the ECI that he would abide by the provisions of the MCC 'Model Code of Conduct'.

The CPI (M) national leader also criticized another BJP Minister Pijush Hazarika, who allegedly threatened two journalists of dire consequences on the day of the second phase of polling on April 1 for reporting a controversial campaign speech of his wife.

"I wonder as to why the ECI is not taking any decision against Hazarika. There was a decision during all party meeting with the ECI that the media should not be under pressure. The media must be protected from undue pressure and it should be allowed to work naturally," pointed out Yechury.

Yechury also said that there is massive response to the Congress-led 'Mahajoot'. "We are seeing tremendous enthusiasm and spontaneity on the ground. It is now sure that the 'Mahajoot' is forming the next government here," he stressed.

The CPI(M) is contesting in two seats, which will go to vote in the third and final phase of the Assembly election on April 6.

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