AGP Veterans Intensify Pressure for 2026 Assam Election Tickets Amid Seat-Sharing Talks
Veteran leaders of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) are actively pushing to secure candidacy for the upcoming 2026 Assam assembly election. This assertive stance poses a significant challenge to the party leadership, potentially triggering internal discord and even defections to opposition parties. The situation is particularly critical as the AGP-BJP seat-sharing arrangement nears finalization, adding layers of complexity to the political landscape in Assam.
Protests and Rallies Highlight Veteran Demands
On a recent Saturday, supporters of West Guwahati MLA and AGP general secretary Ramendra Narayan Kalita staged a demonstration at the AGP headquarters. They fervently insisted that during seat-sharing negotiations with the BJP, the saffron party should allocate at least one of Guwahati's four seats, specifically Guwahati Central, to its regional ally. This demand underscores the deep-seated concerns among veteran leaders about their political futures.
In a parallel development, AGP veteran and another general secretary, Kamala Kanta Kalita, organized a rally in the Palasbari constituency, located near Guwahati, on Thursday. A crucial consultation meeting with party workers is scheduled for Sunday, during which he is expected to deliberate on his political options, reflecting the growing uncertainty within the party ranks.
Fears of Being Sidelined in Seat-Sharing Deal
Both Ramendra and Kamala express palpable fears that they could be marginalized as the AGP-BJP seat-sharing arrangement is anticipated to be finalized imminently. Ramendra, who has been associated with AGP since its inception in 1985 and served as a former minister in the AGP government led by Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, articulated his concerns to the media. He emphasized, "The energy of the young generation should get importance in ticket distribution, but if the experience of the elderly is ignored, it does not help the party to flourish. We were associated with the Assam agitation and subsequent signing of the Assam Accord, following which AGP was formed. The party should consider the cases of some leaders like me, for whom this is the last election."
His supporters argue that Guwahati Central represents the most viable alternative for ticket allocation, as a substantial portion of the former West Guwahati constituency now falls within its boundaries. They highlight that eight municipal wards from the erstwhile West Guwahati were integrated into the newly created Guwahati Central constituency, reinforcing their claim.
Uncertainty Surrounds Kamala Kanta Kalita's Political Future
A similar cloud of uncertainty looms over former minister Kamala Kanta Kalita, following the delimitation process that dissolved the Chhaygaon constituency, from where he previously served as an MLA. He had identified Palasbari, where a significant segment of Chhaygaon was incorporated, as his prospective electoral base. Once regarded as one of the prominent AGP leaders closest to Mahanta, Kamala could previously rely on an assured ticket. However, evolving political dynamics and the BJP's firm stance on Palasbari have complicated his prospects. "Tomorrow, I will sit with our party workers for their opinion. My people decide my future course of action," Kamala stated, underscoring the pivotal role of grassroots support in his decision-making process.
AGP Leadership Responds to Mounting Pressure
In response to the escalating tensions, AGP leader Phani Bhusan Choudhury addressed the media, clarifying that constituencies and tickets remain undecided. "Discussion with BJP on seat sharing is not yet complete," he affirmed, attempting to assuage concerns within the party. In the 126-member Assam assembly, the BJP currently holds 64 seats, while AGP has 9. Choudhury expressed optimism that AGP's tally would reach double digits in the forthcoming election, highlighting the party's aspirations for growth amidst the internal strife.
The unfolding scenario underscores the delicate balance AGP must strike between honoring its veteran leaders' contributions and accommodating new political realities. As seat-sharing talks progress, the party's ability to manage these internal pressures will be crucial in determining its cohesion and electoral success in the 2026 Assam assembly election.
