Assam chief minister says AGP is fascist

GUWAHATI - Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi Sunday launched a vicious attack on the main opposition Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) by saying the regional party had “ruled like Hitler” and functioned like the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA).

“The AGP is party of fascists and during their two previous tenures (1985 to 1999 and 1996 to 2001) they ruled like Hitler. I would say the AGP is like the ULFA,” the chief minister said.

Gogoi was addressing a mammoth public rally here to mark the fourth anniversary of the second straight term in government.

“Like the AGP, the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) is a power hungry party with no qualms for the state’s overall development. The BJP has all along been interested only in divisive communal politics in Assam,” he said.

Gogoi was at his offensive best - lashing out at the opposition for all along trying to negate development works in Assam during the last nine successive years of Congress rule in the state.

“The AGP is a bunch of liars who were rejected by the people of Assam in almost all elections beginning the 2001 assembly elections. Still they have not learnt anything from their follies,” the chief minister said.

Seeming to kick off the campaign for next year’s assembly elections, Gogoi said his party cares very little for votes from the rich business community in Assam.

“We don’t want votes from the blackmarketeers of Fancy Bazar (the main business hub in Guwahati). We would be depending on votes from the common people of the state,” the chief minister said amid thunderous applause from the nearly 25,000 strong crowd.

Gogoi announced a slew of development measures, including shelter for the homeless, schemes for the landless, besides setting up of a development council for the overall welfare of the people.

“We are committed to serving the people of Assam and shall surely earn your blessings in 2011 polls,” the chief minister said.