In a significant political development in Assam, the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) has suspended three of its leaders, including two MLAs, for six years for alleged anti-party activities. Reports suggested that the suspended leaders were preparing to join the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. The AGP is a key member of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The suspended leaders include Abdul Aziz, legislator from Badarpur; Sahabul Islam Choudhury; and Karim Uddin Barbhuiya, who serves as AIUDF vice president and MLA from Sribhumi constituency. The AIUDF stated that the leaders were “formally preparing to join another party,” leading to their suspension.
Rajya Sabha Nomination Row Sparks Political Tensions
The suspensions come amid a larger controversy surrounding Rajya Sabha nominations in Assam. The three AIUDF leaders had reportedly backed United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) leader Pramod Boro, the NDA’s candidate for the Rajya Sabha polls. This move drew criticism from the Congress, an ally of the AIUDF, which alleged that the MLAs had signed nomination papers for Boro. Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi claimed that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had sought AIUDF’s support for Rajya Sabha elections, highlighting a perceived contradiction in BJP’s narrative about AIUDF being a communal party. “If the BJP truly believes the AIUDF poses a threat to Assam, why did it need their support to secure victory?” Gogoi remarked.
Blame Game Between AIUDF and Congress
The Rajya Sabha nominations have intensified the political rivalry between the AIUDF and Congress, with both parties exchanging accusations. The AIUDF accused Congress of failing to provide support when it was needed. AIUDF MLA Rafiqul Islam noted that three Rajya Sabha seats were vacant in Assam and the parties could have proposed a joint candidate for the third seat. “I even wrote to the leaders of Congress for their support, but unfortunately, they did not respond,” Islam said. He added that the AIUDF has continuously supported Congress in past endeavors but did not receive reciprocal cooperation during this critical nomination process.
Political Implications Ahead of Assembly Elections
The suspension of these leaders and the Rajya Sabha nomination controversy have significant implications ahead of Assam’s Assembly elections. The move not only strengthens the AGP-NDA coalition by potentially adding experienced leaders but also creates uncertainty within AIUDF’s ranks. Analysts suggest that the ongoing tension between the AIUDF and Congress could impact the alliance’s performance in key constituencies, especially in areas where the suspended MLAs have influence. The episode underscores the growing political maneuvering in Assam, with parties seeking strategic alignments and recalibrating alliances as the elections approach.
