AIUDF Suspends Two MLAs for Anti-Party Activities Ahead of Assam Elections
The All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) has taken decisive action by suspending two of its sitting MLAs from primary membership for a period of six years. The suspended legislators are party vice-president Karim Uddin Barbhuiya and Abdul Aziz. This disciplinary measure was implemented due to allegations of "anti-party activities," which have reportedly harmed the party's image and interests.
MLAs Set to Join BJP Ally AGP
This suspension comes at a critical juncture as several leaders from Badruddin Ajmal's AIUDF are preparing to join the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), which is an ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Although AGP is a regional party within the NDA and the BJP-led government in Assam, it is perceived to have greater acceptance among Muslim communities in the state.
Barbhuiya confirmed on Thursday that he, along with two other suspended AIUDF MLAs—Nizam Uddin Choudhury of Algapur and Zakir Hussain Laskar of Hailakandi—will soon join AGP. All four politicians hail from the Barak Valley, a region with a significant Muslim electorate. A senior AIUDF leader has accused them of working against the party, damaging its reputation, and aligning closely with AGP.
Barbhuiya's Rationale for the Move
Explaining his decision, Barbhuiya stated, "I am joining AGP because it is in the NDA. Minority Muslims should not stay away from power." He expressed confidence that AGP will secure at least four seats in the upcoming assembly elections from Muslim-majority constituencies. Emphasizing the need for Muslim inclusion in governance, he added, "Muslims should be in the mainstream and with the government to fulfil their demands."
While acknowledging AIUDF president Badruddin Ajmal as an able leader and social reformer, Barbhuiya asserted that his resignation was motivated by the broader interests of the Muslim community. "Minority Muslims should go one step ahead. For the sake of the community’s progress by one step, I am taking this step," he remarked, clarifying that personal reasons were not a factor in his departure.
Electoral Implications and Party Dynamics
Barbhuiya highlighted that after delimitation, there are 22 assembly seats in Assam where Muslim voters will play a decisive role. He argued that voting for Congress or AIUDF would not effectively serve Muslim interests, suggesting a strategic shift towards parties in power. Until recently, AIUDF was the second-largest opposition party in the state assembly with 15 MLAs, trailing only behind Congress.
This is not the first instance of such suspensions within AIUDF. In 2024, the party suspended Nizam Uddin Choudhury and Zakir Hussain Laskar from primary membership for six years over similar allegations of anti-party activity. Barbhuiya resigned from AIUDF's primary membership on Thursday, but an AIUDF order revealed that he had already been suspended for six years on Wednesday.
Official Suspension Orders
The suspension order issued by AIUDF general secretary (administration) Hafiz Bashir Ahmed detailed the reasons for Barbhuiya's suspension. It stated, "The central committee of AIUDF has been closely monitoring the activities of Karim Uddin Barbhuiya (Saju), MLA, vice-president, AIUDF, which has repeatedly been deemed controversial and detrimental to party’s interest. These actions have been classified as anti-party activities, having a negative impact on the organisation and tarnishing the party’s reputation. It is also reported that he is rendering support to an opposite political party and is all set to join that party."
Similar allegations were made against Abdul Aziz in a separate order, leading to his suspension from primary membership for six years on Wednesday. Additionally, AIUDF suspended Sribhumi district committee president Sahabul Islam Choudhury on comparable grounds, indicating a broader crackdown on dissent within the party ranks.
As Assam gears up for the upcoming assembly elections, these developments underscore the shifting political allegiances and internal challenges facing regional parties. The move by AIUDF MLAs to join AGP could potentially reshape electoral dynamics, particularly in constituencies with substantial Muslim populations, highlighting the ongoing realignment of political forces in the state.
