Cracks in coalition: AGP forms Bongaigaon Zila Parishad without BJP support

Signs of growing tension within Assam’s ruling alliance emerged today as the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) successfully constituted the Bongaigaon Zila Parishad, electing Mridula Sinha as President—without the participation of alliance partner BJP.

In a strategic political manoeuvre, the AGP secured support from two Congress members and one Independent representative, enabling it to form the Zila Parishad. The move, however, did not sit well with the BJP, whose four elected Zila Parishad members abstained from the formation process entirely.

The Zila Parishad office, where the formation proceedings were scheduled between 12 PM and 1 PM, witnessed AGP members waiting for their BJP counterparts. However, no BJP representative turned up by the designated time, further signaling a breakdown in coordination within the coalition.

While the AGP celebrated its political victory, the BJP’s non-participation has sparked speculation about deepening rifts within the alliance, especially regarding local governance strategies and candidate selection.

Despite being part of the same political alliance at the state level, the AGP’s decision to align with opposition members for local power has raised questions over the future of BJP-AGP cooperation, particularly in politically sensitive districts like Bongaigaon.

Adding to the intrigue, MLA Dipti Moyi Choudhury extended her congratulations to AGP's Mridula Sinha even before the BJP made any official response, further highlighting the dissonance between the allies.