BJP rules out poll pact with AGP

GUWAHATI, February 1: The general secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Narendra Modi today categorically ruled out any possibility of an electoral alliance with the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP). Addressing a press conference here today, Modi asserted that the BJP is confident of facing the polls alone in Assam as "the people of the state want a BJP government." However, he did not rule out the possibility of alliance with smaller parties and said that the BJP was willing to negotiate with smaller parties if they express their desire for electoral understanding with the BJP. The BJP general secretary refused to give a direct comment on the possibility of getting the support of the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) in the elections and said, "We would disclose that at the right time." It may be mentioned here that the BJP has sought the support of the AASU for the Assembly polls and three rounds of discussions have been held between the leaders of the state unit of the BJP and the AASU. Modi said that a secured and developed Assam for the new generation would be the main poll plank of the BJP. However, when pointed out that the BJP government at the Centre failed to fulfil the promises like scrapping of the IMDT act and a permanent solution to the foreigners issue, Modi only said, "Let us come to power in the State."