Assam News: Former MP and Union Minister Rajen Gohain, who left the BJP ahead of next year’s Assam Assembly elections, announced his joining the Asom Jatiya Parishad (AJP) on Wednesday. Gohain won the Nagaon seat four times in previous Lok Sabha elections and has also served as the president of the Assam BJP. Last month, on October 9th, Gohain resigned from the BJP along with 17 other leaders. His joining the AJP is being considered a major political advantage for the party ahead of the elections.
A strong addition for the AJP – Lurinjyoti Gogoi’s reaction
AJP President Lurinjyoti Gogoi described Gohain’s joining as a strong addition to the party. He said, “This is a major political development in Assam. Gohain’s joining us will strengthen our position ahead of the elections and will also open the door for other leaders dissatisfied with the BJP.” Gogoi indicated that discussions are underway with several senior leaders from various parties, and that more prominent leaders may join the AJP in the coming weeks and months ahead of the assembly elections.
Gohain’s Discontent Behind Leaving the BJP
Rajen Gohain, when leaving the BJP last month, stated that he was disappointed with the party’s alleged betrayal of the state leadership and the local people of Assam. He also disputed last year’s delimitation of Assembly and Lok Sabha seats, saying it contained flaws. Gohain, who joined the party in 1991, strengthened the party by winning the Nagaon Lok Sabha seat four times in a row from 1999 to 2019. He also served as a Union Minister from 2016 to 2019.
Neglect of Senior Leaders and Increasing Influence of New Faces
The 74-year-old politician had previously expressed concern that new leaders were being given more prominence in the party, while older and more senior leaders were being overlooked. He had even raised this issue with the party high command and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Now, after joining the AJP, Gohain believes he will strongly advance local issues and public interest in Assamese politics. His joining is expected to strengthen AJP’s hold in the assembly elections and is also being considered a major political blow for the BJP.
