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BJP ruining secular composition of Bengali society: Cong state in-charge Gaurav Gogoi

Two-time MP from Assam, Gaurav Gogoi, was recently appointed as in-charge of the West Bengal. It is one of the trickiest states for the Congress which has been in alliance with both Left and TMC in the state. Its cadre is divided on the issue of alliance. Congress has been out of power for 4 decades in the state and like Tripura, BJP is emerging as an alternative. Gaurav Gogoi broke his silence on a possible alliance and the state of the Congress Party in the state with Kartikeya Sharma. Edited excerpts

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Two-time MP from Assam, Gaurav Gogoi, was recently appointed as in-charge of the West Bengal. It is one of the trickiest states for the Congress which has been in alliance with both Left and TMC in the state. Its cadre is divided on the issue of alliance. Congress has been out of power for 4 decades in the state and like Tripura, BJP is emerging as an alternative. Gaurav Gogoi broke his silence on a possible alliance and the state of the Congress Party in the state with Kartikeya Sharma. Edited excerpts

Q: Why are Congress leaders split on the issue of alliance with Left and TMC? Why are the views on this issue extreme?

Gaurav Gogoi: Congress has been in alliance with both Left and TMC in the past. Each had its cost and benefit. Our aim is to defeat BJP in 2019 and see Rahul Gandhi as the Prime Minister. All MLAs and MPs met Rahul Gandhi on Friday. It is normal to have divergent views on this issue. He heard all of them out. But I must say that Congress is still a united house in West Bengal.

Q: What is your feedback on the issue of an alliance?

Gaurav Gogoi: It is a work in progress. I have recently taken charge and only visited the state twice. I have been to the southern part. I also need to visit areas where Congress is strong. I’m still meeting workers and district level functionaries to take their feedback. We want to tell them that AICC will only come to a final conclusion on the issue of an alliance once their feedback is on board. The biggest challenge for us is that we have been in the Opposition for so long.

Q: BJP has emerged a challenger in West Bengal. Aren’t you afraid that in long run, West Bengal can go the Tripura way?

Gaurav Gogoi: BJP’s strength in West Bengal stems from its ability to polarise. BJP is ruining the secular composition of the Bengali society. Its campaign is impacting the composite culture of the state. Their only aim is to divide the society. My understanding is that national mood which has become visible through by-election results in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh will also manifest itself in West Bengal. Congress is determined to stop BJP both at the Centre and state.

Q: Is there a possibility of Congress going alone?

Gaurav Gogoi: My vision is that there should be a time when Congress should be strong enough to stand alone. We will need to have a particular strategy for it. But I don’t think it is possible in the context of 2019 Lok Sabha elections. It is too short a time for Congress to go alone in West Bengal.

Q: How is Congress different from the rest in West Bengal and what are your objectives?

Gaurav Gogoi: We want to be a differentiator in terms of leadership and organisation from both Left and TMC. We want to engage with section ranging from intellectuals to Adivasis to farmers. But all these things take time when you have not been in power for a long time.

Q: Despite the fact that many Congress cadres were at the receiving end from TMC during Panchayat election, a section of Congress leaders want a truck with TMC?

Gaurav Gogoi: Our cadres were beaten. Senior leaders were also targeted. They were subject to violence. I condemn the violence and state government should have done better. It violates democratic norms.

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