Assam: Politics

December 6 saw the launch of a new regional political party at Guwahati'sw district library in Assam. Headed by former Bathalangso MLA and senior Karbi politician Holiram Terang, the Peoples Front aims to bring the warring ethnic factions together and work for the development of the state. A 57 member central committee with Terang as its founder president was constituted on the occasion.

Speaking about the need for a new party Terang told TSI, “We have decided to form a strong regional force that can challenge the Congress.

Our main motto is to ensure equal development of all ethnic groups in the state. We have invited people of all communities to our party.”
Asked what would be the first task before the Peoples Party, Terang said that the party is gearing uo for the forthcoming Karbi Anglong Hills Autonomous Council elections slated for January.

For last three decades Assam has witnessed bloodshed due to insurgency and counter-insurgency operations. While Congress which is currently at the helm of affairs  draws strength from its attempt to bring together the insurgent groups to the negotiation table, it has not been able to contain the dissidence. It's alliance with the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) was disbanded earlier this year, with the two deciding on post-poll alliance.

The two opposition parties in the state the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have been unable to challenge Congress effectively. Terang views the formation of the Peoples Party as a substitute for the AGP. A faction of the AGP – the Trinamool Congress – has joined the new party. Sanmillita Gana Sakti (SGS) leader Bhupan Pegu said it was clear that “AGP has lost its former popularity.”

“People today want immediate benefits. Congress has been successful in extending its development programmes to the various parts of the state. Making people change their mind. Now they talk of nationalism, not regionalism,” opined Pegu.