In the 2021 Assembly polls, the AGP had contested 29 seats and won nine. The party has been in alliance with the BJP since 2014
AGP president and minister Atul Bora (X.com)
Guwahati: Amid the ongoing political exercise of the ruling BJP to consolidate its hold on indigenous voters by re-intensifying its anti-foreigner plank, grassroots workers of the regional Asom Gana Parishad (AGP)—an ally of the BJP—have started flexing their muscles for a larger share in the 2026 Assembly polls by unilaterally declaring probable candidates in key constituencies.
In the 2021 Assembly polls, the AGP had contested 29 seats and won nine. The party has been in alliance with the BJP since 2014.
With the ruling BJP taking an aggressive stand against Bangladeshi nationals by intensifying eviction drives—widely seen as an attempt to consolidate its pro-indigenous image in the state—AGP workers have also begun staking claims on seats dominated by indigenous voters, such as Majuli, Lakhimpur, Bihpuria, Ranganadi, Gohpur, and Nalbari. They are also seeking to contest six Assembly seats in the Kamrup districts.
Though AGP president and minister Atul Bora has been trying to pacify the growing unrest among grassroots workers through several rounds of talks, a large section of workers is worried about the party’s declining influence among indigenous voters. Many fear that ceding the anti-foreigner image to the BJP may cost the AGP dearly. Sources said grassroots workers are particularly troubled by the party leadership’s silence on key issues and its alignment with the BJP’s line.
Bora, however, recently claimed there is no rebellion within the party. “Our grassroots workers are good; some leaders are aspiring for these seats. In an alliance, there is always a give and take,” said Mr. Bora, who led a high-level delegation of party leaders to New Delhi and met Union Home Minister Amit Shah following the revolt-like situation among grassroots workers.
Indicating that the meeting with Mr. Shah was aimed at reassuring party workers that their concerns were being addressed, party sources said the AGP delegation, led by Mr. Bora, briefed the BJP leadership on the state’s political scenario in detail. Other members of the delegation included state minister and working president Keshab Mahanta, newly elected Rajya Sabha MP Birendra Prasad Baishya, and senior leader and Lok Sabha MP Phani Bhusan Choudhury.
Sources said Thursday’s meeting focused on current political developments in Assam, implementation of central schemes in the state, and the role of regional parties in shaping the alliance’s future strategy ahead of the upcoming elections.
While no formal statement was released, party leaders indicated that discussions touched on regional concerns, administrative coordination, and the alliance’s direction going forward. Mr. Bora described the meeting as constructive and acknowledged Mr. Shah’s role in maintaining political stability in the region.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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