Asom Gana Parishad Unveils Candidate List for 26 Assembly Seats in Assam
In a significant political development, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) has officially announced its candidates for 26 assembly constituencies in the upcoming elections. The list notably excludes three key seats: Chabua-Lahowal, Dergaon, and Guwahati Central, where three sitting party MLAs were actively seeking nominations. This move underscores the complex dynamics within the ruling coalition in Assam.
Diversity and Strategic Nominations Mark AGP's Candidate Selection
A striking feature of the AGP's candidate list is that half of the nominees, precisely 13 individuals, are Muslim. This highlights the party's focus on inclusive representation and its appeal across diverse communities in Assam. Among the prominent candidates are Jakir Hussain Laskar from Algapur Katlichera and Karimuddin Barbhuyan from Sonai. Both are sitting MLAs who were recently suspended from the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) for alleged "anti-party activities," indicating AGP's strategic poaching of experienced legislators to strengthen its electoral prospects.
AGP President Atul Bora Clarifies Alliance Stance with BJP
Party president Atul Bora, who also serves as the state's agriculture minister, has firmly opposed any notion of a friendly contest with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He emphasized that the AGP is fielding candidates only for the seats allotted to it under the pre-existing seat-sharing arrangement with the BJP. This declaration aims to quell internal dissent and present a united front within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Assam.
Earlier, the BJP had rejected appeals from AGP workers to relinquish the Dergaon, Chabua-Lahowal, and Guwahati Central constituencies. Instead, the BJP proceeded to name its own candidates for all three seats, reflecting tensions in the coalition's seat distribution process. Chabua-Lahowal, previously known as Chabua, is currently represented by AGP MLA Bhabendra Nath Bharali, while Dergaon is held by Ponakan Baruah, both of whom now face uncertainty.
Key Candidates and Notable Inclusions in the AGP List
According to the released list, Atul Bora will contest from Bokakhat, the assembly seat he currently represents. Keshab Mahanta, the party's working president and revenue minister, is set to run from Koliabor, a constituency he has held for two consecutive terms, showcasing the party's reliance on established leaders.
The AGP has also welcomed former BJP leaders into its fold. Prakash Chandra Das, who joined the AGP just a few days ago, has been nominated from his home constituency of Hajo-Suwalkuchi. Similarly, youth leader Basanta Das, who switched from the BJP to the AGP on Thursday morning, has been awarded the Naoboicha ticket, signaling the party's efforts to attract fresh talent and expand its base.
Other notable candidates include Jibesh Rai from Bilasipara, Khalilur Rahman from Morigaon's Lahorighat, and Sahabuddin Mazumdar from Hojai. This diverse lineup underscores the AGP's strategy to field a mix of incumbents, defectors, and new faces across various regions of Assam.
The announcement comes amid broader political preparations in Assam, with the AGP positioning itself as a crucial ally in the BJP-led coalition while asserting its autonomy in candidate selection. The exclusion of the three sitting MLAs and the inclusion of Muslim candidates in significant numbers are likely to influence voter perceptions and coalition dynamics in the run-up to the elections.
