AIUDF Seeks Priyanka Gandhi’s Intervention on Ajmal’s Rajya Sabha Bid

GUWAHATI: The General Secretary of the AIUDF (All India United Democratic Front) and Jania constituency MLA Rafiqul Islam, has once again reacted to the developments surrounding the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, urging the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) leadership to hold discussions on supporting AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal’s candidature.

Speaking to the media, Rafiqul Islam said that with Congress leader and Screening Committee Chairperson Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arriving in Assam today on a two-day visit, the APCC leadership should discuss the matter with her. He claimed that AIUDF had written to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi a month ago regarding the issue. Rafiqul Islam further stated that AIUDF had supported Congress during the previous Presidential and Rajya Sabha elections and was assured that Congress would reciprocate the support this time.

He reiterated that Congress leaders should take up the issue with Priyanka Gandhi during her visit.

Meanwhile, Congress and CPI (M) leaders have reacted strongly to Rafiqul Islam’s remarks. Congress MLA Nurul Huda said there is no alliance between Congress and AIUDF, adding that AIUDF did not vote for Congress in the Rajya Sabha elections. He alleged that AIUDF raises such issues only during election time.

CPI (M) leader and Sorbhog MLA Manoranjan Talukdar also clarified that Congress will not support AIUDF or Badruddin Ajmal. He added that Ajmal’s health condition is not good and therefore he should not contest, but said the opposition should come together to field a common candidate. Talukdar said Congress is unaware of any prior promise made to AIUDF and that the party leadership would respond to such claims.

He further informed that discussions on the Rajya Sabha candidate will be held today at 4 PM with Raijor Dal and Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), after which Congress will communicate its decision.

Priyanka Gandhi, Wayanad Lok Sabha MP and Chairperson of the Congress Screening Committee, arrived in Assam today on a two-day visit. She is scheduled to offer prayers at the Maa Kamakhya Temple before heading to Rajiv Bhawan, where she will attend screening-related meetings from 11 AM till midnight.

Also Read: Priyanka Gandhi’s Assam Tour: What Congress Plans Before Candidate List Release