I have not violated the Model Code: Tarun Gogoi

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Saturday accused the Election Commission of playing a partisan role by having an FIR filed against him for alleged violation of the Modal Code of Conduct by holding a press conference.

"I have not violated the Model Code. I have not asked voters to vote for us. How did the EC know even before holding the press meet what would I say? I came to know about the FIR from newspapers only. If necessary, we will fight it out in the court of law," Gogoi said at a press conference.

He said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had also held a press meet a day before the poll in Delhi but no action was taken despite a complaint.

Referring to the assembly the election in Assam, the Chief Minister said he is confident of winning at least 65 seats out of the total of 126 seats.

"If the people of Assam want us to sit in the opposition, then we will do that. We will accept any verdict given by the people. Only government-formation is not responsibility. If we are in the opposition, then we will play the role of a positive opposition," he added.

Gogoi attacks Centre over delay in compensation for Assam flood victims

Talking about floods in Assam, Gogoi said the Centre has not released "hundreds of crores" of rupees to the state and it is affecting the work of repair and rehabilitation.

"I will again take up the issue with the Centre till the election results are out," he added.

He also said there has been encroachment attempts of Assam land in Karbi Anglong district by miscreants from Nagaland in recent times.

"I have discussed the problem with the Chief Secretary and the DGP. At any cost, we will protect our land," Gogoi said.

Gogoi alleged the bloody Assam agitation in 1980s was "sponsored" by RSS and was guided by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and former union minister Arun Shourie.

"Assam agitation was sponsored by RSS. (Atal Bihari) Vajpayee and Arun Shourie were guides for them (agitators). AASU was getting all funds and other helps for agitators from RSS," Gogoi alleged.

He appreciated AASU's current leadership for opposing BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma's reported statement of shifting the base year for updating the National Register of Citizens and deporting "infiltrators" should be shifted from 1971 to 1951.

"We have been fighting and we will continue to fight against the divisive forces. We want to form the government but not by hook and crook. We will take people's verdict respectfully," Gogoi said.