HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Nov 5: Former Union Minister and four-time Nagaon MP Rajen Gohain on Wednesday formally joined the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), marking a significant political shift in Assam’s evolving political landscape.
Gohain, who resigned from the BJP on October 9 citing “growing discontent” with its leadership and direction, joined the regional party at a programme held at the PWD Auditorium in Guwahati in the presence of AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi, working president Chitta Basumatary, general secretary Jagadish Bhuyan and other senior leaders.
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The veteran leader, who had represented the Nagaon parliamentary constituency for four consecutive terms from 1999 to 2019, also served as the Union Minister of State for Railways from 2016 to 2019.
Addressing reporters after joining the AJP, Gohain said that he resigned from the BJP as the party had “failed to fulfil the promises made to the people of Assam and betrayed the indigenous communities by allowing outsiders to settle in the state.”
He further accused the party of “encouraging communal politics and dividing the centuries-old Assamese society.”
Gohain expressed his dissatisfaction with the BJP’s current functioning, saying the party had “drifted far from the ideals of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and veteran leader LK Advani.”
“I have been patient for a long time, but the present state of affairs is deeply disappointing. We did not join this party to witness personality-driven politics. It has now gone into the hands of people who have little connection with the party’s founding values,” Gohain remarked.
The former minister also alleged that the state’s natural resources were being “handed over to outsiders” and called for a stronger regional voice to protect Assam’s identity and interests.
He said that the Assam Jatiya Parishad should consider building an understanding with like-minded parties to ensure that the interests of the Assamese people are protected in the upcoming assembly elections.
Following his induction, Gohain said, “Wherever I am, I have always tried to perform my duties with honesty and commitment. I will continue to do so here as well.”
His decision to align with the AJP underscores his belief that a strong regional force is essential for safeguarding the interests of Assam and its people.
The assembly elections in the state are due next year. (With inputs from PTI)
