The AGP, a significant member of the NDA, reasserts its lawful opposition to the CAA, pledging to persist in its legal challenge against the legislation in the Supreme Court, demonstrating its commitment to addressing the legal concerns of affected individuals.
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ASSAM: The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), which holds a prominent position within the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), has once again voiced its firm stance against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Emphasizing its unwavering opposition to the controversial legislation, the AGP has declared its determination to continue the legal battle against the CAA. In reiterating its commitment to challenging the law in the Supreme Court, the AGP emphasizes its enduring dedication to addressing the concerns and grievances associated with the CAA, signaling a sustained effort to advocate for the rights and interests of the people it represents.
Phani Bhusan Choudhury, a seasoned AGP leader and contender for the Barpeta Lok Sabha seat, affirmed-
“The AGP’s position is unequivocal—we stand in opposition to the CAA. In fact, we are actively litigating against the law in the Supreme Court.”
Despite the AGP’s coalition with the BJP, Choudhury stressed that the party has steadfastly upheld its stance against the CAA.
Choudhury addressed concerns about the AGP’s alignment within the NDA, asserting-
“It’s inconceivable for us to endorse the CAA solely due to our alliance with the BJP.”
He stressed the distinct goals of the national BJP and the regional AGP, emphasizing their independence in decision-making processes.
The opposition candidates from Congress and CPI (M) in Barpeta have seized upon the CAA issue, accusing the AGP nominee of disregarding public sentiment.
The AGP’s tumultuous relationship with the BJP over the CAA has been marked by dramatic shifts. Initially breaking ties in January 2019, the AGP swiftly rejoined the NDA and contested the Lok Sabha polls in Assam in alliance with the BJP later that year.
During the passage of the CAA, AGP’s sole Rajya Sabha MP, Birendra Prasad Baishya, opposed the bill in discussion but ultimately voted in favor of it.
Amidst rigorous campaigning in rural areas of Abhayapuri within the Barpeta Lok Sabha constituency, Choudhury criticized the opposition’s lack of substantial issues and accused them of contesting elections merely to criticize the government.
Choudhury dismissed accusations of neglecting critical issues like inflation, asserting-
“No individual has raised concerns about inflation… The allegations they are leveling against us are entirely unfounded.”
With confidence in his electoral prospects, Choudhury, the longest-serving MLA of Assam, emphasized the development agenda of the ruling alliance. He predicted that the Hindu-majority demographic shift in Barpeta after delimitation would bolster his electoral prospects.
Choudhury remarked on the changing demographics of the constituency, expressing confidence in the AGP-BJP alliance’s prospects for victory given the current voter composition.
Despite initial expectations of a substantial victory margin, Choudhury acknowledged the support from minority voters, particularly Bengali-speaking Muslims, attributing it to the perceived inclusive governance of the Himanta Biswa Sarma administration.
He speculated that the fragmentation of anti-NDA votes among multiple opposition parties would further solidify his electoral advantage.
In the midst of this electoral landscape, the opposition, comprising CPI (M), Congress, and TMC, remains divided, potentially benefiting the AGP’s electoral prospects.
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Currently represented by Congress MP Abdul Khaleque, who had briefly resigned from the party after being denied a ticket but later withdrew his resignation, Barpeta is an important constituency in the upcoming elections. Besides Barpeta, the AGP is also contesting in Dhubri, where its former MLA Zabed Islam has been nominated as the party’s candidate.
