Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi here on Monday expressed surprise over the move of his health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, clarifying that he met him on Sunday and promised to come for a discussion on Tuesday.
Mr Gogoi in a written statement released to the press here on Monday said, “Mr Sarma met me on Sunday evening at my official residence and promised to come back for further discussion along with some MLAs at 10 pm. Later he rang up to inform that they would come in the evening of Tuesday.”
In course of the discussions on Sunday evening, Mr Gogoi suggested to Mr Sarma that a wider discussions should be held between different groups to arrive at a consensus.
Mr Gogoi further said, “Mr Sarma stated during discussions that he would talk to his colleagues and that he was also in favour of wider discussions.”
Mr Gogoi made it categorically clear that he has not suggested reshuffle of his ministry after every four months to Mr Sarma during discussions at his official residence. “I have never said such a vague thing. How can one change a ministry after every four months? This allegation has no basis”, Mr Gogoi said.
Mr Gogoi said that in his entire political career since 1971 he has never played communal politics as alleged by Mr Sarma. “I have been a disciplined soldier of the Congress Party and my credentials are known to all. I have always worked for the party’s interest. My stand and commitment towards the party is well known. I do not require any certificate from anyone,” he said.