Gogoi questions Left patriotism

BY MANOJ ANAND

Guwahati

July 24: Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi here on Thursday questioned the "patriotic commitment" of the Left parties towards the nation, accusing them of taking the side of China at the time of the aggression of Chinese Army in 1962.

Justifying the party stand on the nuclear deal, Mr Gogoi, who was also camping in New Delhi during the trust vote in Parliament, told reporters: "The Left political parties have always been opposing national interest. Even at the time of war with China in 1962, when the Chinese Army had reached up to Tezpur in Assam, the CPM leaders took the side of China."

Realising that the support of Naga MPs at the cost of reviewing the boundary of north-eastern states may cost them dearly in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Assam chief minister clarified that the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance has not committed to review the boundary of north-eastern states to win over the support of Independent Naga member of Parliament Mani Charenamei from outer Manipur.

When pointed out to his speech in Parliament, Mr Gogoi said: "Even if some central leaders have assured Mr Charenamei of reviewing the boundary, we will not accept it as far as Assam is concerned."

He reiterated that he would take up the matter with the AICC if any such commitment has really been given to Naga MP Mr Charenamei.

Naga insurgent leaders have been demanding the unification of Naga-dominated areas of north-eastern states which include parts of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. All the three states have been opposing the review of their boundary.

Mr Charenamei, in his speech in Parliament, had said: "I could not extend my support to the UPA government because in the common minimum programme it was mentioned that the territorial boundary of the north-eastern states will be maintained. This is against the Constitution of India."

He argued: "Whereas the common minimum programme speaks that Telangana state would be created, the UPA has used different yardsticks for different areas. That is why I could not extend support. But today I have been assured that this common minimum programme will be re-examined. I have been assured that the constitutional requirement will be taken up to fulfil the aspirations of my state so I am supporting the trust vote."