HT Correspondent
DHUBRI, July 23: Tensions ran high in Golakganj on Wednesday as a senior Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) leader and his son were allegedly assaulted during the formation of the Golakganj Anchalik Panchayat, exposing cracks within the ruling AGP-BJP alliance in Assam.
The incident occurred on the premises of the Golakganj Co-district Office, where a meeting was convened to elect the President and Vice-President of the Anchalik Panchayat.
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Amid the proceedings, AGP’s Golakganj District Panchayat President Ashok Kumar Prodhani and his son Ujjal Kumar Prodhani were allegedly attacked by a group of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers.
According to eyewitness accounts, the altercation followed a heated exchange between workers of alliance partners AGP and BJP.
Of the 11 Panchayat seats, BJP had secured six, AGP and Congress two each, and one was won by an Independent.
The situation escalated when disagreements surfaced over the Panchayat’s leadership structure, with reports stating that the AGP was not consulted during the decision-making process.
Police personnel present at the venue intervened and brought the situation under control.
Both father and son were rescued and taken to safety.
Speaking to reporters, Ashok Kumar Prodhani alleged that the attack was planned and executed at the behest of former BJP MLA Ashwini Roy Sarkar.
He accused Sarkar of deploying individuals to intimidate AGP members and asserted that the AGP was sidelined despite being a partner in the ruling coalition.
“There was no consultation with us, and when I raised objections, I was physically assaulted,” Prodhani said.
Ujjal Kumar Prodhani lodged an official complaint at Golakganj Police Station, naming four persons, including Ashwini Roy Sarkar, in connection with the alleged assault.
The incident drew sharp reactions from political quarters. District AGP President Biswajit Kalita condemned the episode as “an assault on democratic values.”
On the other hand, BJP’s Dhubri District President Ranjit Kumar Roy denied the allegations, stating they were “politically motivated” and aimed at destabilising the AGP-BJP alliance.
Despite the disturbance, the Panchayat formation was concluded.
BJP’s Iti Roy, representing Lakshimari Gaon, was elected as President of the Golakganj Anchalik Panchayat.
The episode has stirred political unease in the region and brought renewed attention to growing tensions within the AGP-BJP alliance in lower Assam, even as the state prepares for the next Assembly elections.
The matter remains under police investigation.
