‘Verdict hope for others jailed under fake charges’
GUWAHATI: Hours after his release, Raijor Dal president and MLA from Assam’s Sibsagar Akhil Gogoi spoke to Utpal Parashar on the court’s verdict and his determination to resume the agitation against the CAA.
What is your reaction to the court verdict?
This is a historic verdict not just for me but for the Indian judiciary. It shows that the judiciary is still independent and can take decisions judiciously without getting influenced by the government in power. The verdict, I hope, will pave the way for release of other activists who have been jailed under trumped-up charges.
It’s been one-and-half years since your arrest, were you expecting the verdict or to get released soon?
There is a big conspiracy against me. Even today, the government tried to connect me to a 2013 case, but the court rejected it as the verdict was already decided. After so many months, I feel encouraged and happy.
Will the anti-caa protests in Assam resume?
The protests will definitely start and this time, the agitation will not just be on the streets, it will also reverberate inside the state assembly.
Your poll victory from Sibsagar assembly while under detention is the first such instance in Assam. Did you expect to win?
My win was a historic event in Assam’s political landscape. I never expected that voters would support a person who is behind bars and make him victorious. I am overwhelmed at the confidence expressed by the people from my constituency on me. I will visit them on Friday and pay my respects to them.