New Delhi: Congress today appointed former minister Anjan Dutta, who was quizzed by CBI in Saradha scam probe, as Assam PCC chief, replacing Bhubaneswar Kalita whose tenure would have ended in March after holding the post for ten years.
Dutta, a loyalist of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, was last month questioned by CBI in connection with its probe in the Saradha chit fund scam in which thousands of investors were allegedly duped.
His residence was searched by the agency on August 28 after his alleged business dealings with Saradha promoter Sudipta Sen came under the scanner as he used to publish material for Saradha group.
Dutta, an MLA from Amguri, has handled important portfolios like transport.
"Congress President Sonia Gandhi has appointed Anjan Dutta a President of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee in place Bhubaneswar Kalita with immediate effect," AICC general secretary in-charge (Organisation) Janardan Dwivedi said in a press release.
Other names doing the rounds for the post were Bhupen Bora and Pradyut Bordoloi. Former health and education minister and rebel MLA Himanta Biswa Sarma, who had led a virtual rebellion against the Chief Minister, was also a contender. There was also speculation that Sarma was trying to join the BJP.
AICC general secretary in-charge for Assam CP Joshi had some time back submitted a report to the high command suggesting changes in the faction-ridden state unit.
Former Union Ministers B K Handique and Paban Singh Ghatowar hailing from the state had last month met Congress president Sonia Gandhi to brief her about the developments in the party and government in the state.
Kalita, whose term otherwise would have ended in March next year, also had a meeting with Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi here last month.
