Assam
The politics of Assam took a new turn in a special program held in Guwahati on Friday, when about 500 leaders and workers joined the Trinamool Congress (TMC). TMC MP Sushmita Dev and Assam TMC President Raman Borthakur were present on this occasion. The joining of leaders of many parties including Congress, Assam Gana Parishad (AGP), Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) and BJP in TMC can become a big challenge for Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Sushmita Dev said that these leaders were being ignored in their parties, due to which they turned to TMC. He stressed, “TMC is a party of grassroots workers and we are trying to build a strong team in Assam. In a direct fight with Congress against BJP, BJP wins, but when the fight is with parties like TMC, DMK or Samajwadi Party, BJP loses. Therefore, the people of Assam should give priority to regional parties instead of national parties.”
A large number of leaders joining TMC may be a cause of concern for the BJP in Assam. TMC, which has been influential in Bengal politics till now, is now trying its best to strengthen its roots in Assam. The joining of leaders of about 17-18 communities in TMC is an indication that the party is preparing to become a strong option in the state.
This new challenge for BJP may create problems for Himanta Sarma, as TMC’s focus is now on forming an effective alliance against BJP in Assam. Now it remains to be seen whether this step of Mamata Banerjee’s party will bring a big change in the politics of Assam or not.
