Assam: Strife-torn AGP Party Headed towards Splitsville?

By: Rana Pratap Saikia

The rift within the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) became clear as water today after senior leader Prafulla Kumar Mahanta was not allowed to hold a meeting at the party's headquarters in Guwahati, Assam.

Later, while addressing the media, Mahanta lambasted the younger brigade of the party, led by party President and Agriculture Minister Atul Bora, and said that if anybody wants to support the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, they should join BJP party. Mahanta, a two-time former Chief Minister, also expressed the need to "rescue" the AGP from the ruling BJP party, which leads the coalition Government of which the AGP is also a part.

In light of this, it has become clear that there is a tussle for power within the AGP camp, which seems to be divided into two factions -- the old brigade led by the former CM Mahanta, and the new AGP brigade, led by Atul Bora.

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Speaking to Inside Northeast, senior leader Brindaban Goswami, an aide of Mahanta, says, "29 distrct presidents of the AGP had convened a meeting, where Mahanta da, I, Prabin Deka, and other leaders, were also invited. The AGP MP Birendra Prasad Baishya voting in favour of the CAA has caused tumult within the party's camp. Many have even resigned in protest. There is huge unrest within the party. The people are anxious for the party to clear its stand.."

"Some of the party workers are in a fix; they are being ostracized, and thus, they have left the part. Today, workers from 29 districts came here. They have demanded the party to clarify its stand within 7 days. Many of them are in grief. Some of them were even involved in the anti-CAA agitation, some still have wounds", said Goswami, explaining the trauma of the party workers who are opposed to the Bill-turned-Act.

"I have seen people from all walks of life like Lurinjyoti Gogoi (AASU General Secretary), Barsha Rani Bishaya (actress), and others taking part in this disciplined agitation, although it is sad to seen people being subjected to blows", said Goswami, talking about the anti-CAA agitation.

Whereas the Mahanta-led faction appears to be vehemently opposed to the Citizenship Amendment Act, the Atul Bora-led faction seems undecided which route to take in regards to the Bill-turned-Act. Bora has been seen both opposing the 'CAA' and embracing it, at the same time. Merely days after Bora came out publicly against the 'CAA' and resolved to oppose it in the Supreme Court, he was seen participating in BJP 'peace' rallies.

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Meanwhile, the leaders of the two factions continue to trade barbs. Phani Bhusan Choudury, currently a Minister and part of Atul Bora's brigade, slamming Mahanta and his followers for an attempted 'coup', told the media, "I too have some followers -- if I bring them here, will it be an all-party meet?"

Mahanta, in his rebuttal, claims that Choudhary, who he alleges is a lackey of the ruling Government, will be least bothered even if Bangladeshis troop into Assam by the droves.

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