Assam: AASU braces for new leadership amid talks of new party

The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) General Secretary Lurinjyoti Gogoi and President Dipanka Kumar Nath have decided to float a new party. The expected party is to begin operations from December. Speaking to Inside Northeast on Tuesday, Dipanka Nath confirmed that talks of a new party are there. On the issue of him and Lurinjyoti leaving the Apex Student Union body, he replied, “we can’t confirm anything as yet”. Amid the lack of clarity, political observers find this as a start of political erosion of the AASU top brass leadership in the event of Lurinjyoti and Dipanka leaving the organisation. As such, talks about replacing them have already surfaced.

AASU's constitution doesn't allow its members to be a part of a political party and to be in AASU at the same time. Lurinjypti and Dipanka will then have to move out in the event of them forming a party. Inside Northeast contacted Uddip Jyoti Gogoi to understand the situation at hand. Gogoi is a member of the Central Committee AASU, which is considered to be the top brass of the union. On the issue who will be the next GS and President, Uddip said, "Its a matter of the executive committee where stakeholders like district members will counsel among others".

The AASU in Assam traditionally is involved with grassroots programme but they too play the kingmakers during Assembly elections. As such the stand of the apex student organisation regarding the upcoming polls and party dynamic is important for the political equation. "Our agenda is same, we support the indigenous, pro ethnic and citizenship issue. Any party who raises will definitely be on AASU's good books. That includes even the new party set to be formed".

Also read: Assam: Lurinjyoti and Dipanka Nath to quit AASU? Here’s why

With the talks of a new party, a section of people is also sceptical about it due to the previous experience of Asom Gana Parisad (AGP), a party born out of the Assam Agitation which ironically later went on to support the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) to bring in the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). "There are people who have used AASU for their own gain. The likes of Tapan Gogoi after occupying the high position in AASU now badmouth the union. Also, people like Atul Borah after entering politics have moved on from the ideals. That's why we have shown black flags to even AGP people".

The question that has arisen the among the general public, how will Lurinjyoti be any different to the already existing politicians who were once a part of AASU. In this regard, Uddip said, "If Lurinjyoti enters politics, I see hope and he seems a man who won't compromise his ethics".

Meanwhile, the uncertainty continues to occupy the spaces Lurin and Dipanka leave in the union and the likes of Uddip remain hopeful to take the opportunity if they are given a chance to. On whether he is interested in the post, he said, "If given a chance I will take over the post as I have my share of experience from my work in Dibrugarh and Sibsagar districts".

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