In a dramatic political realignment that has sent shockwaves through Assam's political landscape, former Union Minister of State for Railways and veteran BJP leader Rajen Gohain has officially crossed over to the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP). The significant move comes as a substantial blow to the Bharatiya Janata Party's organizational strength in the state.
A Ceremonial Welcome Marks Political Transition
The formal induction ceremony took place at the AGP headquarters in Guwahati, where party president Atul Bora and working president Keshab Mahanta extended a warm welcome to the seasoned politician. Gohain, who has represented the Nagaon constituency in the Lok Sabha for four consecutive terms from 1999 to 2019, brings considerable political heft to his new political home.
Decades of Political Legacy
Having begun his political journey with the Congress party, Gohain switched allegiance to the BJP in 1991 and steadily rose through the ranks. His ministerial tenure from 2014 to 2019 in the Narendra Modi government marked the pinnacle of his political career within the BJP fold. The veteran leader's departure represents the loss of one of the BJP's most experienced faces in Assam.
Strengthening Regional Forces
Political analysts view this development as a significant boost for the AGP, a key constituent of the ruling North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA). Gohain's extensive experience and grassroots connect in the Nagaon region could potentially alter the electoral equations in central Assam. The timing of this move, as political parties prepare for upcoming electoral battles, adds considerable strategic importance to this development.
Changing Political Allegiances
This isn't the first instance of political migration in recent Assam politics. The trend gained momentum when several Congress leaders, including former minister Ajanta Neog, joined the BJP last year. Gohain's reverse journey from BJP to AGP underscores the fluid nature of political affiliations in the state and signals potential recalibration of alliance dynamics.
The political circles in Guwahati are abuzz with speculation about whether this move will trigger further realignments within the state's ruling coalition and how it might impact the BJP's organizational structure in one of its key northeastern strongholds.
