REGIONALISM AFTER 35 YEARS; Assam Jatiya Parishad' formed

GUWAHATI: After more than three decades, Assam on Monday witnessed the birth of a new regional political party namely the 'Assam Jatiya Parishad' (AJP) under the aegis of the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) and the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP).

This development has assumed significance in the political arena at a time when the people of the State are disillusioned with promises made by the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), the first regional political party and other national parties to solve the burning issues of Assam. The AGP was floated in Golaghat district on October 14, 1985.

Formally floating the new political party during a press conference here on Monday morning, renowned educationist Basanta Deka said that the AJP would be 'a regional party with a difference'. He said that unlike the other political parties which reach out to the people only during the election times, the AJP would try create a lasting relationship with voters.

"The AJP will be a people-friendly political party. While the driving force for the AJP will be —'Assam first, always and ever', the party will work on the principle of 'Ghare Ghare Ami' (We are in every household in Assam)," said Deka who was entrusted with the responsibility of heading the conveners' committee to float the AJP.

Responding to journalists' questions as to why the people of Assam should repose faith in the AJP, Deka pointed out that the very functioning of this new regional political party would be different, transparent and accountable. He also said that an apex committee will monitor the AJP and its leaders so that they don't deviate from the path of regionalism.

"The younger generation of Assam is looking for an alternative political platform to solve the issues faced by them and their people. The AJP will be an inclusive political party with representatives from all castes, communities and religions. The party will focus on inducting more youths with clean image and dedication to serve the people of Assam," Deka said.

The AJP has already started its organizational works in more than 25 districts. Former Minister Jagadish Bhuyan has been appointed as State convener of AJP till a full-fledged State-level executive committee is constituted. While the membership drive will start from Tuesday, the AJP will complete drafting its Constitution and other organizational work by October 30. The AJP will organize its first political convention in November. The full-fledged State-level executive committee will be constituted during the political convention.

While evading a direct reply to a question on whether leaders from the AASU, AJYCP and other political parties including AGP would be joining the AJP, Deka said that the party will focus on inducting honest and efficient leaders. He, however, said that the AJP will maintain distance from communal forces.

AASU general secretary Lurinjyoti Gogoi recently alleged that the ruling political parties while compromising the real issues of Assam have started doing religious polarization for the sake of their vote bank politics. He said that Assam desperately needs a new alternative regional political platform which could include representatives from different caste, ethnic communities, religions and language.

AJYCP general secretary Palash Sangmai said that the need of a third regional political front was felt during the massive anti-CAA movement in the State. He accused national political parties as well AGP of compromising on real issues of Assam just for the sake of power politics.

AASU general secretary Dipanko Kumar Nath had said that the new political party would be floated very soon. He, however, asserted that the apolitical identity of AASU will always remain intact. "Regionalism is our political ideology. We will promote this ideology in the interest of the Assamese people," Nath said.