Rajen Gohain not to contest elections due to criminal charges, enlists wife

Guwahati, March 16, 2019:

State Railway Minister Rajen Gohain on Saturday said that he is not contesting the election because of the criminal charges against him and also stated that his criminal cases can hamper the prospects of the BJP party.

Addressing the media in New Delhi, Rajen Gohain said, “As there are allegations and charges against me, so until I am absolved of my guilt, I will not contest the elections as I am not mentally prepared for this. Moreover, this may cause damage to the party.”

He also mentioned that he will be actively participating in the election campaigns in the state to help the party in every possible way.

According to reports, Gohain who has a strong lobby with the BJP and RSS in New Delhi has managed to enlist his wife Rita Gohain in the expected candidates’ list for the Lok Sabha elections.

It is to be mentioned in August 2018, a case was filed under sections 417 (punishment for cheating), 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against the minister at the Nagaon Sadar police station for allegedly raping and threatening a 24-year-old married woman in Deurigaon area of Nagaon district.