Guwahati, March 11 : The Asom Gana Parishad today threatened to drag the Congress to court if it fails to substantiate the latter’s charge that a “cash transaction” had taken place to ensure the AGP-BJP seat adjustment for the ensuing general elections.

The AGP also took the opportunity to remind the Congress that “dealing in cash” was part of the latter’s culture as was evident for all to see during the trust vote triggered by the nuclear deal to save the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government.

The Opposition party was reacting to health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s allegation last evening that there was a “cash transaction” to ensure the “unholy” AGP-BJP seat adjustment and that he had circumstantial evidence to prove this transaction. “Why would the AGP leave the prestigious Guwahati seat to the BJP,” the health minister had asked.

“What is preventing the health minister from proving the charge even after 24 hours? If it is not proved, we will take recourse to law,” AGP general secretary Atul Bora said.

Bora said dealing in cash was part of “Congress culture” as was seen on numerous occasions, with the nuclear deal trust vote being the latest instance.

“The AGP did not fall prey to it,” he pointed out, adding that “suitcase raj” was a part of the Congress’ culture.

Regarding the selection of candidates for the forthcoming election in which the health minister had accused the AGP of not giving representation to women and minorities, Bora said the party had selected candidates based on feedback from the grassroots. “We do not differentiate among caste and class and select candidates on the basis of advice from the grassroots,” he said. He, however, conceded that the party had not been able to field suitable women candidates.

Bora said Sarma’s statement on some communities not being given representation by the AGP will only lead to more tension and create divisions. “Himanta’s so-called love for minorities is only for public consumption,” he said.

“We will not comment on Tarun Gogoi as a person but we have the right to comment on his style of functioning which is disgusting. Why does Gogoi have to take permission from Sonia Gandhi even for a minor cabinet expansion?” Bora asked.

The party questioned the performance of Congress MPs like Mani Kumar Subba and Dip Gogoi. “There are doubts about Subba’s citizenship. On the other hand, what are the credentials of Dip Gogoi other than being the chief minister’s younger brother?” he asked.

Congress sources said the AICC had referred Subba’s citizenship case to its legal team before taking a call on whether to re-nominate him from the Tezpur constituency.

Though Subba remains a frontrunner for the seat, the AICC does not want to be embarrassed if the court passes any adverse verdict before or during the elections.