Assam: AGP MLA Pabindra Deka resigns from party over 'CAA'

GUWAHATI: In a major setback to the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) before the elections, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Pabindra Deka has resigned from the party over differences with the party over the Citizenship Amendment Act which triggered massive protests and bloodshed last year in Assam.

Addressing the press in Guwahati, the AGP MLA Pabindra Deka stated that he is likely to jump ship to the newly floated Asom Jatiya Parishad (AJP) as the AGP party does not have a "stand." The AJP party was formed earlier this year after the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) and Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chhatra Parishad (AJYCP) joined forces to float an alternative political solution for the people of Assam. It is being speculated that some senior leaders, formerly of the AASU, will join the AJP ahead of the 2021 polls in Assam.

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"With profound sorrow, I announce that I have decided to resign as a primary member of the AGP with immediate effect. Resentment has been brewing between me and the Central leadership of the party over the Citizenship Amendment Act, which I oppose," the MLA told reporters in Guwahati today. "Due to my opposition, I was not invited to the party's meetings. The AGP has been opposing the CAA ever since it was introduced, and we protested against it on the streets. When the Bill was tabled in the Parliement, our MP Birendra Prasad Baishya voted in its favour and helped in its passage. I took part in protests that ensued due to which I was sidelined."

The MLA further added that he is unable to fulfill his political aspirations as the AGP party has gone mum over the 'CAA.'

He also condemned the ruling Government for non recognizing the 5 'martyrs' of the anti-CAA movement, as well as the imprisonment of activist Akhil Gogoi, who was booked during the massive and widespread protests against the controversial Act.

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