SP rules out alliance with AGP

GUWAHATI, March 30: The State Samajwadi Party (SP) has closed its door for the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) saying there is no question of forging an alliance with a gaddar (betrayer) party. Addressing a press conference here today, national secretary, north-zone of SP, Mahabir Singh said that instead of forging an alliance with the AGP, the party will fight alone in the coming Assembly election. Giving the rationale behind the party's' disappointment with the AGP, Singh further said that it has started losing political base due to wrong policies. "As SP's performance is gradually increasing it has decided to contest alone," the senior leader said, adding that the party has received letters from the AGP expressing its willingness for alliance, but SP has already clarified its stand. It is quite interesting that the State SP president, Abdul Muhib Mazumdar, is a senior minister of ruling AGP-led government. Moreover, he (Mazumdar) was present in the four-party alliance meeting held recently at the residence of the Chief Minister and the president of AGP, Prafulla Kumar Mahanta. Asked why Mazumdar was retained in Mahanta's cabinet despite his disappointment with the AGP, the State SP General secretary, Ruparani Bhuyan who was present in the press conference said "the understanding will continue till the expiry of terms of the present government. But we will not go for any seat sharing with the AGP at any cost. Bhuyan also accused the AGP-led government of ignoring the genuine problems of the State. Criticising both BJP and Congress the State secretary alleged that the parties are adopting corrupt practices by depriving the common people. "The parties have also polluted the entire political system which is not a healthy sign," she added.