Guwahati, Sept. 9: Dispur has withdrawn a circular regarding use of Assamese as official language in Barak valley.

The state government this evening issued a press statement announcing the withdrawal of the circular (number PLC 14/2011/39 dated November 30, 2013) that created confusion in some areas was not actually meant for Barak valley. The withdrawal of the circular with immediate effect, barely a few days ahead of bypolls in three Assembly seats, including Silchar and Lakhipur constituencies in Barak valley, has raised eyebrows in political circles. Jamunamukh constituency in Nagaon district will also have bypolls on September 13.

A fresh circular (number PLC14/2011/47) issued today by the political (B) department of the state government said the official language of Barak valley, which is Bengali, will continue to be used for all official work.

The latest circular was issued at the directive of chief minister Tarun Gogoi in order to remove the misapprehension regarding use of official language in Barak valley, the statement said.

Sources said the Congress government took the decision with an eye on the bypolls in Silchar and Lakhipur, which are dominated by Bengali-speaking population. The chief minister, after his recent visit to the Barak valley for election campaigning, was made aware about the widespread resentment among the people about the circular.

The Congress, which won Silchar and Lakhipur constituencies in 2011, faces stiff contest from the BJP and AIUDF this time.

AIUDF leader and MLA Hafiz Bashir Ahmed Qasimi said they had absolutely no doubt that the Congress government had taken this decision purely for electoral gains.

Echoing him, Assam BJP spokesperson Shiladitya Dev said Congress always played divisive politics in the name of religion, language and this was the latest example of it. “We also want Bengali to be the official language in Barak valley but what is the harm if, along with Bengali, Assamese is also made an official language since Barak valley is also a part of Assam?”

In another development, the state government has declared paid holiday in the areas, which fall under the three constituencies that go to the polls on September 13.

The declaration has been made in respect of all state and central government offices, public sector undertakings, corporations, boards, banks and educational institutions.