EDITORIAL: 23/03/2024 Saturday
Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) After 2016 Assembly Election : A brief analysis
Introduction:
The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), a regional political party in the Indian state of Assam, has played a significant role in the state's political landscape since its inception in 1985. However, its role after the 2016 assembly elections has been marked by various developments and criticisms.
Coalition Politics:
After the 2016 assembly elections, AGP formed an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other smaller parties to form the government in Assam. This coalition government marked a departure from AGP's historical stance of opposing the BJP due to ideological differences. Critics argue that this alliance compromised AGP's regional identity and principles for the sake of power-sharing.
Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA):
One of the most contentious issues during AGP's tenure in the coalition government was the passage of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in 2019. AGP, being a party that historically championed the cause of Assamese identity and opposed illegal immigration from Bangladesh, faced severe criticism for supporting the BJP-led central government's move to enact the CAA. Many viewed this as a betrayal of AGP's core principles and a sellout of the interests of the Assamese people.
Failure to Protect Assamese Interests:
Critics argue that despite being in power, AGP failed to effectively address key issues concerning Assam's development and the protection of Assamese culture and identity. The party's inability to prevent the implementation of controversial policies like the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the CAA, which many believed could potentially alter the demographic composition of Assam, led to disillusionment among its supporters.
Internal Dissent and Leadership Crisis:
AGP witnessed internal dissent and a leadership crisis during its tenure post-2016. Infighting and disagreements within the party over issues like alliance decisions and policy matters weakened AGP's position both within the coalition government and among the electorate. This internal turmoil further eroded the party's credibility and effectiveness in representing the interests of the Assamese people.
Electoral Setback:
The 2021 Assam Assembly elections delivered a significant setback to AGP, as the party's performance was dismal. It won only 9 out of the 26 seats it contested, a stark decline from its previous electoral performances. This poor electoral showing was seen as a reflection of the party's failure to effectively address the concerns of its voter base and regain their trust after the perceived compromises made in its alliance with the BJP.
Criticism of Alliance with BJP:
Despite its regional focus, the AGP faced criticism for aligning with the BJP, a national party with a different ideological agenda. Critics argued that the AGP compromised its principles by forming an alliance with a party known for its Hindu nationalist ideology, which some feared could marginalize minority communities and undermine the secular fabric of Assam. This criticism led to internal divisions within the AGP and raised questions about the party's commitment to its core values.
Failure to Address Key Concerns:
While in power, the AGP faced criticism for its perceived failure to adequately address key concerns facing the state, such as unemployment, infrastructure development, and flood management. Some critics accused the party of prioritizing symbolic gestures over substantive policy measures, thereby neglecting the pressing needs of the people of Assam. This perceived lack of effective governance eroded public confidence in the AGP's ability to deliver on its promises.
Loss of Support Base:
The AGP's participation in the coalition government with the BJP also led to disillusionment among some of its traditional supporters, who viewed the alliance as a betrayal of the party's founding principles. This loss of support was evident in subsequent elections and by-elections, where the AGP struggled to maintain its electoral performance. The party's inability to retain its support base highlighted the challenges of balancing regional interests with the demands of coalition politics.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the role of the Asom Gana Parishad after the 2016 assembly elections in Assam was marked by a mix of achievements and criticisms. While the party succeeded in forming a government and advocating for regional issues, its alliance with the BJP and perceived failures in governance led to internal divisions and a loss of support among its traditional base. Moving forward, the AGP faces the challenge of reconciling its regional identity with the realities of coalition politics while addressing the pressing concerns of the people of Assam.
 After 2016 Assembly Election : A brief analysis){kind=link}