Adivasi leader Stephen Lakra, 10 others join Cong in Guwahati

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 15, 2024

In a significant political development, Stephen Lakra, former president of the All Adivasi Students Association of Assam (AASAA), along with 10 other prominent leaders from the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) and National People’s Party (NPP), joined the Congress party at a function held at Rajiv Bhawan in Guwahati on December 13.

The induction ceremony took place in the presence of AICC general secretary Jitendra Singh and Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bhupen Kumar Borah.

Hailing from the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), Stephen Lakra is the former AASAA president and a vocal advocate for granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Adivasi community. Of late, he has been a target of administration and police in the state.

Other notable leaders include Melkhas Toppo, former vice president, AASAA; Badal Karti, cultural secretary, AASAA; Sankar Karmakar, former executive member, AASAA (Sonitpur district) and celebrated Adivasi singer Victor Lakra.

Two AIUDF general secretaries -Anowar Ali and Harun Ahmed and NPP leaders – Abdul Baten Sikdar, Anowar Rahman Bhuyan and Abdul Awal also joined the Congress party in the joining programme.

Welcoming the leaders, AICC general secretary Jitendra Singh emphasized that the Congress represents all sections of society, especially the downtrodden.

Singh acknowledged Lakra’s contributions to the Adivasi community, stating that Lakra faced wrath from police and the administration for his persistent demand for ST status for Adivasis. Singh urged the new members to actively work for Assam’s welfare and development.

In his address, APCC president Bhupen Kumar Borah called upon leaders and individuals from all parties and organizations to join Congress to oppose the BJP’s divisive politics and alleged corruption.

Borah accused Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of allowing BJP leaders to operate syndicates for illegal earnings and appealed to anti-BJP forces to unite under the Congress umbrella.

“Rajiv Bhawan is open to anyone who opposes BJP’s fascism and communal politics,” Borah declared.

“While the number of new entrants may be modest, their leadership experience and grassroots influence are expected to strengthen Congress in its fight against the BJP in Assam,” Borah said.