ASSAM: REGIONAL LEADERS DEPRIVED OF FIRST ROW ENCLOSURES IN NEDA MEETING

A clinch to regional sentiments

The seating arrangement during 3rd Neda meeting was a real eyesore as the first Constituents of NEDA was not provided with the minimal dignification of seats in the First row.  The first row was accorded to members of the Bharatiya Janata Party whereas Atul Bora of Asom Gana Parishad and BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary were left with seats in the second row.  Was the Stage space too small to accommodate two more seats?

The scene stood contradictory to 2016 elections, where the regional leaders were wreathed with respect of the highest kind where support from the regional parties was of utmost importance for the flourishing of lotus in the state. Photos captured portrays how Narendra Modi sat with Hagrama Mohilary, in the front row during 2016 assembly election and also AGP leaders Atul Bora,  Prafulla Mahanta shared same stage and space with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi back then.

Does such seating arrangements stands a metaphor to BJP’s downlook on the regional parties for the 2019 General Elections ? Is it a hint by the  Bharatiya Janata Party of its power surpassing the mere regional parties?

Only time will reveal the repercussions of such cold take by the Bharatiya Janata Party. However such a step has left an impact on the fragile sentiments of the Assamese People.