Crucial turn in Assam’s political scenario : AGP Likely To End Ties With BJP, Hints President

by Bhupen Goswami

Guwahati : AGP’s alliance with BJP had been time and again questioned over the former’s stand against the Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2016. In turn of events, the AGP leader speaking to Pratidin Time has said that the party is likely to end alliance with BJP and the final decision will be informed soon. Mahanta made the statement at the Swahid Diwas which is being held at the AGP headquarters in Ambari. According to reports, AGP leader Atul Bora will hold a press conference today. It has also come to light that the regional party has addressed BJP President Amit Shah a formal letter expressing their disagreement over the Amendment Bill and that AGP is mulling over ending alliance with them. AGP’s decision will be a crucial turn in Assam’s political scenario.The BJP’s problems with its allies could be mounting. On a day Bihar leader Upendra Kushwaha quit from the Narendra Modi cabinet, another alliance partner Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) has sounded a warning to the BJP over the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016. AGP president Atul Bora has written to BJP chief Amit Shah about his party’s reservations on the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill and said it will make the Assam Accord “meaningless”.“We decided for an alliance with the BJP based on understanding on the Assam Accord and other issues. The Government of India by introducing the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016 in Parliament has violated the understanding,” read the letter. Bora said the AGP will never support the “obnoxious” Citizenship Bill. He also targeted the BJP for “tabling the Bill in Parliament” despite protests in Assam. The AGP leader asked Shah to take necessary steps to withdraw the Bill.