GUWAHATI: Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) president Atul Bora has dismissed claims of dissidence within the party, stressing its unity and strength despite external attempts to create division.
Bora, a senior minister in Assam’s ruling NDA government, addressed concerns over the party’s leadership and future direction, affirming that AGP remains committed to its mission.
Bora expressed confidence that AGP will contest the upcoming panchayat elections with full force but refrained from commenting on potential alliances.
“There are no divisions in the party. Differences of opinion are natural and should not be confused with dissidence,” Bora said in response to recent criticisms from senior party members.
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Former AGP minister Kamala Kanta Kalita, along with former MLAs Utpal Dutta and Satyabrat Kalita, recently raised concerns over the party’s alignment with the BJP, particularly regarding seat-sharing arrangements for the 2026 assembly elections.
Bora responded by downplaying the significance of their statements, saying, “While these leaders have expressed their views, they have not made any anti-party remarks. Emotions can run high in every party, and this is not unusual,” he added.
The AGP president also addressed remarks by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who suggested that constituencies affected by delimitation would remain with the parties that won them in the 2021 elections, potentially leaving AGP without some seats.
Bora clarified, “I don’t interpret the Chief Minister’s statement the same way. My focus is on 2025, not 2026.”
Amid speculation that disgruntled leaders may form a new party, Bora firmly rejected the idea, stating, “No one is going to form a new party. We are a united and disciplined organization. Any attempts to destabilize us will not succeed.”
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Looking forward to 2024, Bora expressed optimism for the year, describing it as a time for growth and opportunity.
He emphasised the ongoing developmental initiatives under Chief Minister Sarma’s leadership, which he believes will continue to transform the state.
“The coming year will bring a new wave of progress for Assam, and AGP will remain central to this development,” Bora said.
Bora also acknowledged the party’s progress in 2024, including securing a Lok Sabha seat.
“We will focus on the panchayat elections in 2025 and the 2026 assembly elections. We are committed to contesting these elections with full strength,” he added.
While Bora did not comment on whether AGP would contest the panchayat elections in alliance with BJP and United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), he emphasised that decisions will be made through discussions with party allies.
“Panchayat elections are contested locally, and forming a statewide alliance is a complex task,” he explained.
As AGP prepares for future challenges, Bora confirmed that the party is focused on strengthening its organisational base ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.
“In 2025, we will celebrate ‘Mother Language Year,’ underscoring our commitment to linguistic nationalism. AGP represents various linguistic communities in Assam, and we will promote and preserve local languages through grassroots initiatives,” he concluded.
Bora, who also serves as the Implementation of Assam Accord Minister, reiterated the state government’s efforts to fully implement the provisions of the historic Assam Accord in coordination with the Centre.
