Assam: AASU's New Political Party to be Launched in February?

Guwahati, January 16, 2020:

All set to re-write the course of Assamese politics, the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) is headed towards founding another political party, after the formation of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), which was founded after the six-years long Assam Agitation (1979-1985).

This time, the calls for a political outfit were necessitated after the BJP-led Government went through will its plan to implement the Citizenship Amendment Act.

Announcing plans for the formation of a new party, AASU leader Dipanka Nath, at an event in Goalpara, announced that the formalities will be kickstarted after February.

Meanwhile, the AASU is observing this edition of the Magh/Bhogali Bihu by burning copies of the CAA in meji flames. In 1985, the AASU leadership was instrumental in formation of the regional party, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP).

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The AGP ruled for two terms under the leadership of one-time student leader Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, however, critics of the outfit pointed out that it failed on its main poll promise: to detect and deport illegal foreigners under the Clause 5 of the Assam Accord.

Notably, for three decades, the AASU has birthed the political careers of many leaders (including current Chief Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal).

Apart from the two Chief Ministers, around two dozens AASU members have been appointed as Ministers in the various regimes (both BJP and Congress) in the last 3 decades.

Now, 35 years after the formation of the AGP, the AASU is once again threatening a full-fledged entry into politics, and the leaders are supported in this by many other indigenous organizations, artistes, and intellectuals.

Dipanka Nath is of the opinion that the Assam leaders have surrendered in front of Delhi, which has imposed the CAA, and thus, Nath feels, it is once again time for the AASU to step into the mix to "rescue" Assam from the 'anti-Assam' elements.

Meanwhile, the AASU President has further informed that the AASU will continue its agitation against the Bill-turned-Act. The leaders will sit for a meet on January 17, and thereafter, will announce further plans to defeat the contentious CAA.

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