Assam: Assam politics may witness a major reshuffle. Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Union Minister Rajen Gohain is set to join the Asom Jatiya Parishad (AJP). He recently resigned from all party posts, expressing deep dissatisfaction with the functioning of the state BJP. According to sources, Gohain’s joining the AJP is almost certain, and only a formal announcement is pending. A source said, “His joining the AJP is confirmed; now only the formal announcement is awaited.”
Gohain was unhappy with the state BJP’s functioning
Rajen Gohain resigned from all party posts on October 9. In his resignation letter, he wrote that there was “no longer a conducive environment” for senior leaders within the party and that the organization’s functioning was deeply flawed. He had previously expressed displeasure with the state BJP’s functioning several times. His resignation came at a time when a key party election meeting was underway in Dibrugarh, indicating that all was not well within the Assam BJP.
Reactions from the Chief Minister and BJP Leaders
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma praised Gohain’s resignation, saying, “Rajen Gohain has made invaluable contributions to strengthening the BJP in Assam.” Meanwhile, State BJP President Dilip Saikia remarked, “Personal grievances should not be prioritized over collective goals.” Such discontent within the party also demonstrates the growing lack of coordination between the old guard and the new leadership. Gohain’s move is being considered a setback for the BJP, especially as the party prepares for the next elections.
Challenge for the Assam BJP, AJP could gain new strength
Rajen Gohain’s move to the AJP could change the political dynamics of Assam. He joined the BJP in 1991 and served as the party’s state president for a long time. He represented the Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency as an MP for four consecutive terms and also served as Minister of State for Railways during the first term of the Narendra Modi government. His decision is being seen as a sign of growing discontent among BJP veterans. Analysts believe that the arrival of a seasoned leader like Gohain in the AJP will inject new energy into the regional party in Assam, while the BJP may have to reconsider its organizational structure and attitude toward senior leaders. This move could create a new stir in the state’s political landscape.
