AGP-BJP alliance reaffirms strength as Assam BJP chief makes strategic outreach

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 8, 2025

Signaling a renewed push for electoral dominance, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and BJP reaffirmed their alliance as newly-elected Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia made his first official visit to the AGP headquarters at Ambari, Guwahati, on Saturday.

The visit, beyond its symbolic importance, underscored the strategic importance of AGP in BJP’s election roadmap, especially with crucial panchayat and municipal polls ahead.

Saikia’s visit was not just a courtesy call—it was a tactical move to consolidate AGP’s support within the NDA and ensure a seamless electoral strategy. Recognizing AGP’s regional influence, Saikia urged its leaders and workers to be proactive in strengthening the NDA’s grassroots presence.

“For the NDA to win convincingly, AGP members must see themselves as active warriors of the alliance. We need to strengthen our booth-level presence and ensure a unified effort in every election,” Saikia asserted.

He further clarified that alliance-related decisions for local body polls—from Panchayat to Autonomous Council elections—will be taken after district and mandal-level discussions among NDA partners, reinforcing a collaborative approach rather than BJP dominance.

Welcoming Saikia, AGP president Atul Bora dismissed any speculation about cracks in the alliance.

“The AGP-BJP alliance is here to stay. It was strong in the past, remains strong now, and will continue in the future. Under the leadership of CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, the NDA is only gaining strength,” Bora declared, reaffirming AGP’s commitment to NDA’s long-term vision.

AGP working president Keshab Mahanta echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that the partnership was crucial for Assam’s overall development.

Following Saikia’s visit, AGP immediately shifted gears into election mode, convening an extended executive session at its headquarters to strategize for the panchayat elections. Party insiders revealed that AGP aims to bolster its booth-level committees to counter opposition challenges and secure a significant electoral foothold.

While AGP remains BJP’s trusted regional partner, political observers note that the regional party is also playing its own power game—leveraging its importance within the NDA to maintain autonomy and secure a bigger role in Assam’s political landscape.