Plan to field Hazarika runs into roadblock

The Bharatiya Janata Party's plans to field maestro Bhupen Hazarika from the prestigious Guwahati Lok Sabha constituency have run into a roadblock.

Supporters of Bijoya Chakarborty, parliamentarian and Union Minister of State for Water Resources, have protested against the move over the last two days.

Her supporters ransacked the party's state headquarters in Guwahati March 11, after reports from New Delhi suggested she would not be re-nominated. Later, thousands ransacked the Bishnu Nirmala Bhavan, where a BJP workshop was on, demanding that Chakraborty be given the seat ticket.

The next day, 100 youth tonsured their heads in protest against the leadership's reported decision, and they sat on a dharna to show their solidarity with Chakraborty.

The Guwahati City District Committee held a rally at Judges Field, at which several party members tonsured their heads. They vowed not to work for any candidate but Chakraborty, warning that any other move would prove disastrous for the party.

"We will not accept the imposition of any candidate, no matter his political or social status. If a candidate is imposed, we will boycott electioneering," said city unit leader Arun Dutta.

The city unit hinted it would boycott a reception the state unit has planned to welcome Hazarika on his return to the state March 16, if he is given the ticket.

"There is no question of a compromise,'' said Guwahati City District Committee President P K Baruah, when asked about their participation in the 'grand reception' for Hazarika.