Asom Gana Parishad that ruled the state for two long terms from1985 to1990 and again from 1996 to 2001 fell into the abyss and was on the verge of losing its regional identity for reasons best known to all political pundits of the state. In an unprecedented move, a fresh beginning in regional politics in Assam emerged on September 21 last with the general council of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) passing a resolution to pave the way for unification of the regional parties. The meeting that witnessed unruly scenes led to the ouster of its president Brindabon Goswami. The leader of the Opposition in the State Assembly Chandra Mohan Patowary was elected as the president of the party.

It had always been the difference of opinion among the senior leaders that led to the split in the ranks and files of AGP in the past. This led to the ouster of its first AGP Chief Minister of Assam, Prafulla Kumar Mahanta who later went to form the Pragatisheel (P) and former AGP General Secretary Atul Bora left the organisation to form the Trinamool Gana Parishad.

That there was a political crisis and internal squabbles in the party itself became all the more glaring. It was long felt by party insiders that Brindabon Goswami giving up the post of president ship and a merger of all regional parties is a must. Parleys with the leaders of other regional parties such as TGP and PLP including AGP (P) were going on for a long time and there were recommendations too by an 11 member committee headed by the working president Phani Bhusan Choudhury.

The meeting however was marred by heated exchanges where allegations were hurled at Brindabon Goswami’s failure to provide proper leadership to the regional party. Amidst such controversies, Brindabon Goswami left the venue in a huff, prompting Thaneswas Boro to chair the meeting. Having passed a no confidence ruling on the Central Executive headed by Brindabon Goswami, the same was dissolved. Chandra Mohan Patowary’s name was proposed as the next president.

Speculations are rife whether Patowary will be able to keep the situation intact as supporters of the past president are dissatisfied with the unceremonious ouster of Brindabon Goswami. It is expected that the present incumbent shall have to play his cards safe to keep the cadres united and happy. If this could be achieved, then perhaps AGP unitedly can pose a challenge to the ruling Congress. This is indeed a great opportunity for the AGP to reign in and be firm in their commitments to the people of the state and again this is where the one – up – manship shall have to be negated. Collective wisdom and not petty squabbling shall see through the tough times ahead.