The Rise and Fall of Asom Gana Parishad (AGP)

The Rise and Fall of Asom Gana Parishad (AGP)

ANJAN SARMA

[This comprehensive write up is intended for the young generation of Assam, specifically those who were born in the present century and birth of AGP does not create any euphoria for them that was created at its birth time.]

Nestled in the North-East of the Indian Sub-Continent, Assam boasts a rich tapestry of culture, history, and politics from thousand of years when ‘present Assam’ was called strong and independent Kamrup / Pragjyotishpur / Kamata /Axom.

The emergence of regional parties like the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) has played a pivotal role in shaping the Assam’s political landscape after 1985 with hope of indigenous people of Assam.

Founded in 1985 in the aftermath of the Assam Movement, AGP initially emerged as a beacon of hope for the indigenous population, promising to safeguard their identity and address the issue of illegal immigration.

However, the trajectory of AGP‘s journey has been marked by challenges, internal conflicts, and strategic alliances, raising questions about the future of regionalism in Assam, particularly in the context of its affiliation with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The Genesis of AGP and the Assam Movement: The genesis of AGP can be traced back to the Assam Movement, a six-year-long agitation spearheaded by the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) and the All Assam Gana Sangram Parisad (AAGSP) ) against the influx of illegal immigrants, primarily from Bangladesh. The movement, characterized by mass protests and demands for the detection and deportation of illegal migrants, culminated in the signing of the Assam Accord in 1985.

The accord, a historic agreement between the Government of India and AASU & AAGSP, aimed to address the concerns of the indigenous Assamese population and set a specific cut-off date for determining citizenship status.

The Assam Accord, a Memorandum of Settlement (MoS), signed in the early hours of August 15, 1985, by the Union government, the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) and the All Assam Gana Sangram Parishad ended the six-year long agitation (1979-1985) to detect, disenfranchise and deport “illegal” residents from the State. It also altered the nature and perception of India’s federal characteristics and left an indelible imprint on the issue of citizenship in the country. 

The Assam Accord, which is a significant Memorandum of Settlement (MoS), was signed in the early morning hours of August 15, 1985, marking the conclusion of a prolonged and tumultuous period of civil unrest in Assam, India. This accord was the culmination of a six-year-long movement (from 1979 to 1985) that had been marred by violence and strife, as millions of people in Assam took to the streets with demands to address the issue of illegal immigration.

The agitation had its roots in concerns about the influx of “illegal” residents, primarily from neighboring Bangladesh, which was perceived to be altering the demographic, cultural, and social fabric of the state. The local populace feared that their political, economic, and social rights were being eroded by the growing number of undocumented immigrants. As a result, there was a strong demand to identify these “illegal” residents, disenfranchise them (that is, strip them of voting rights), and ultimately deport them back to their countries of origin.

The signing of the Assam Accord ( though this writer personally opposed the so called accord because this accord legalised immigrants up to 1971 and we have published letter, articles against the so-called accord) brought an end to the bloodshed and unrest, but the implications of the agreement went far beyond just the cessation of violence. It significantly altered the relationship between the state of Assam and the Indian federal government, highlighting the complexities of India’s federal structure.

The Assam Accord had a profound impact on the perception and legal framework of citizenship in India. The accord set the midnight of March 24, 1971, as the cutoff date for determining illegal immigrants. Those who had entered Assam before this date were to be granted citizenship, while measures were to be taken to identify and expel those who had come after.

The accord led to a series of legislative and administrative steps aimed at fulfilling its stipulations. This includes the updating of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) for Assam, a complex and controversial process that aims to compile a list of genuine Indian citizens residing in the state, effectively weeding out illegal immigrants.

Signed in 1985, the Accord sought to put an end to years of unrest and protests over the issue of illegal immigration. Today, we examine the pivotal provisions of this landmark agreement, particularly focusing on the contentious “Foreigners Issue” and the measures to protect Assam’s unique cultural identity.

The Assam Accord’s Clause 5, a critical piece of the agreement, addresses the highly sensitive topic of illegal immigration. It delineates clear guidelines on how to deal with individuals who entered Assam at different time periods. According to the clause, all persons who arrived in Assam before January 1, 1966, have been regularised, recognizing them as legal residents of the state.

However, the situation for those who entered Assam between January 1, 1966, and March 24, 1971, is different. These individuals are subject to detection under relevant laws and face removal from electoral rolls for a period of ten years. This temporary disenfranchisement was seen as a compromise between the need to address illegal immigration and the humane treatment of long-term residents. After the decade-long hiatus, their names would be reinstated, allowing them full participation in the democratic process.

Subsection 8 of Clause 5 adopts a sterner tone towards those who came to Assam on or after March 25, 1971. The Accord mandates their continued detection, deletion from electoral rolls, and subsequent expulsion in accordance with the law. The Accord emphasizes the urgency of this matter, calling for “immediate and practical steps” to be taken to remove these foreigners.

 

Recognizing the profound impact that unchecked immigration could have on local customs, language, and heritage, the clause promises constitutional, legislative, and administrative safeguards. These measures are designed to “protect, preserve and promote the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage” of the Assamese people.

The inclusion of Clause 6 in the Assam Accord underscores the importance of cultural preservation amidst the challenges posed by migration. It acknowledges that the identity of a region and its people is not just defined by its current inhabitants but also by its history, traditions, and the continuity of its cultural practices. By promising safeguards, the Accord gives legal weight to the preservation of Assam’s unique cultural landscape.

The Assam Accord, signed in 1985, stands as a historical document in India’s socio-political history, reflecting the aspirations and concerns of the indigenous Assamese people. Emerging from the crucible of the Assam Movement, the accord addressed the pressing issues of illegal immigration and cultural preservation, setting the stage for a delicate balancing act between immigration policies and the safeguarding of Assam’s unique identity.

In the years following the signing of the Assam Accord, the implementation of its clauses has been fraught with challenges and controversies. Clause 5, which outlines the process of identifying and deporting foreigners, has proven to be a complex and sensitive task. The accuracy of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) has been questioned, and concerns have been raised about the human rights implications of statelessness for individuals declared as foreigners.

Clause 6 of the Accord has inspired a variety of initiatives aimed at cultural conservation. From language preservation programs to the promotion of Assamese art and literature, efforts have been made to honor the commitments of the Accord. However, balancing development, migration, and cultural preservation remains a dynamic and ongoing challenge for Assam.

Despite the challenges, the Assam Accord remains a critical document in the socio-political landscape of Assam. Clause 5‘s approach to immigration reflects a nuanced attempt to reconcile legal frameworks with historical migration patterns. Meanwhile, Clause 6‘s promise of cultural safeguards underscores the enduring value placed on the region’s heritage.

The Assam Accord also brought key federal issues to the forefront. By acknowledging the demands of the indigenous people, the Centre recognized that states could secure a limited amount of sovereignty to preserve their sub-nationalist identity. This acknowledgment challenged the notion of a uniform citizenship law in India, as evidenced by the unrest following the announcement of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) in 2019.

Despite the significance of the Assam Accord, its full implementation remains elusive. The failure to implement Clause 6, which pertains to safeguarding Assam’s cultural identity, highlights the gap between rhetoric and action. The committee tasked with examining Clause 6 submitted its report in 2020, yet its recommendations lie dormant, underscoring the challenges of translating policy into practice.

 

 

To truly understand the essence of the Assam Accord, one must grasp its dual objectives: addressing immigration complexities while preserving Assam’s cultural tapestry. In an increasingly globalized world, the Accord’s lessons remain relevant. It serves as a reminder that defining a region’s identity requires embracing its past while shaping its future.

The Assam Accord stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of the indigenous Assamese people in safeguarding their identity and heritage. While its implementation has been fraught with challenges, the Accord’s principles continue to guide Assam’s trajectory. As Assam grapples with the complexities of identity politics and cultural preservation, the lessons of the Assam Accord remain invaluable.

It is imperative that policymakers heed these lessons and prioritize the preservation of Assam’s unique identity and heritage for future generations. Only through concerted efforts and unwavering commitment to regionalism can Assam chart a path towards a prosperous and inclusive future for all its inhabitants.

The legacy of the Assam Accord continues to be felt in contemporary Indian politics and society, particularly in discussions surrounding nationality, citizenship, and the rights of indigenous populations versus those of immigrants. The challenges of implementing the accord’s provisions, such as providing adequate documentation for millions of residents and addressing the humanitarian concerns of stateless persons, remain critical issues for the Indian government and the people of Assam.

AGP emerged as a political entity committed to implementing the Assam Accord and championing the cause of the indigenous people.

The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) evolved as a political organization dedicated to the realization of the provisions set forth in the Assam Accord and to advocating for the rights and interests of the native population of Assam. Formed in the aftermath of the Assam Movement—a mass campaign led by the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) and the ‘All Assam Gana Sangram Parishad‘ against illegal immigration—the AGP aimed to address the social, economic, and political concerns of the indigenous Assamese communities.

The AGP’s emergence as a political entity signaled a transition from activism to electoral politics for the leaders of the Assam Movement, allowing them to pursue their objectives through governance and legislative measures.

The party positioned itself as the protector of the Assamese identity and worked to rally the support of the indigenous populace by promising to uphold the terms of the Assam Accord and to address their concerns about preserving their heritage and rights in the face of external influences and internal challenges.

As a result, the AGP gained significant support and went on to form the state government in Assam on two occasions. The party’s political journey has been marked by its focus on regionalism and the assertion of sub-nationalism, reflecting the aspirations of the indigenous people of Assam for self-determination and the safeguarding of their interests within the larger framework of the Indian Union.

In the 1985 elections, AGP secured a landslide victory, signaling a significant shift in Assam’s political dynamics. The party’s success was attributed to its promise to uphold the Assamese identity, safeguard cultural heritage, and address the socio-economic grievances of the indigenous population.

Challenges and Decline of AGP: Despite its initial electoral triumph, AGP soon faced formidable challenges, both internal and external. Governance issues, including allegations of corruption and a failure to effectively tackle insurgency, tarnished the party’s image. The AGP-led government’s soft approach towards the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) and its involvement in a controversial secret killing campaign further eroded public trust.

Internal divisions and leadership crises exacerbated AGP’s woes, leading to a split in the party in 1991. Subsequent electoral defeats and a gradual decline in voter support reflected the diminishing influence of AGP in Assam’s political landscape. The party’s inability to address pressing issues such as illegal immigration and insurgency contributed to its downfall, highlighting the complexities of governance in a multi-ethnic state like Assam.

Re-emergence and Alliances: Despite its decline, AGP continued to remain relevant in Assam’s political arena, forming alliances with various parties over the years. In 2016, AGP joined the BJP-led North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), marking a significant shift in its political strategy. The alliance with BJP, a national party advocating Hindutva ideology, raised questions about AGP’s commitment to its founding principles, particularly in light of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

 

Criticism of AGP’s Alliance with BJP: A Betrayal of Regional Aspirations

In the intricate tapestry of Indian politics, regional parties often emerge as the voice of local aspirations, championing the cause of their respective states against the tide of national political forces. In Assam, the Assam Gana Parishad (AGP) once stood as a symbol of regional pride and identity, born out of the fervent Assam Movement of the 1980s.

However, the trajectory of AGP’s journey from a bastion of regionalism to a mere pawn in the political chessboard, particularly through its alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), raises questions about its commitment to its founding principles and the future of regional politics in Assam.

Founded in 1985 on the heels of the Assam Movement, AGP’s inception was heralded as a beacon of hope for the people of Assam, who sought to protect their cultural, linguistic, and ethnic identity from the encroachment of illegal immigration. The movement, spearheaded by the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), culminated in the signing of the Assam Accord in 1985, a historic agreement aimed at addressing the influx of illegal immigrants and safeguarding the rights of indigenous Assamese people.

AGP’s early years in power were marked by promises of upholding the Assam Accord and championing the cause of regional autonomy. However, the party’s descent into the quagmire of coalition politics and its subsequent alliance with the BJP cast a shadow over its regionalist credentials.

The erosion of AGP’s regionalist ethos became increasingly evident as it cozied up to the BJP, a national party with a decidedly Hindu nationalist agenda. The alliance with BJP, driven by the pursuit of power and political expediency, raised eyebrows among Assamese voters who viewed it as a betrayal of AGP’s core values.

 

Critics argued that, in aligning with a party whose priorities did not necessarily align with the ethos of regionalism the AGP once embodied, the party was abandoning its duty to the people of Assam, leading to a sense of disillusionment among those who had once looked to the AGP as a bulwark against the homogenizing forces of national politics.

The repercussions of AGP’s alliance with BJP reverberated across Assam, fracturing the unity of regionalist forces and sowing seeds of discord among its supporters. The party’s dalliance with BJP, often at the cost of compromising on key regional issues, alienated a significant section of its traditional voter base, who felt betrayed by AGP’s abandonment of its ideological moorings. The once-unassailable fortress of regionalism in Assam.

The rise and fall of AGP serve as a cautionary tale for regional parties in India. The party’s journey underscores the importance of maintaining grassroots support, effective governance, and consistent adherence to core principles. AGP’s decline highlights the challenges faced by regional parties in navigating complex political landscapes and underscores the need for strong leadership, clear policies, and adaptability to sustain political relevance and effectiveness in the long run.

As Assam grapples with the intricacies of identity politics, economic development, and cultural preservation, the resurgence of regionalism remains pivotal in shaping the state’s future. AGP’s legacy, though tarnished by its alliance with BJP and governance failures, serves as a reminder of the enduring spirit of Assamese pride and resilience.

Looking ahead, the citizens of Assam bear the responsibility to remain watchful and to ensure that their political leaders are held responsible for their actions. They must advocate for legislative and policy decisions that safeguard and promote the well-being of the state and its culturally diverse population. It is only by engaging in collective action and maintaining a steadfast dedication to the principles of regionalism that Assam can truly harness its capabilities and lay down a path toward a flourishing and inclusive future for all its inhabitants.

The strategic partnership between the Assam Gana Parishad (AGP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had profound implications throughout the state of Assam, disrupting the solidarity of parties that championed regional interests and instigating conflicts among their respective adherents.

AGP’s alignment with the BJP, frequently at the expense of their own regional priorities, caused a rift within their loyal base of voters. Those constituents, who had long stood by AGP, felt a profound sense of betrayal as the party seemed to deviate from its foundational ethos, which had been deeply rooted in regionalism and the protection of Assamese identity.

The decline of AGP serves to underscore the myriad of obstacles that regional parties must overcome as they attempt to maneuver through the intricate tapestry of Indian politics. This includes the necessity for robust leadership, coherent policy frameworks, and the capacity to evolve while still retaining political influence and operational efficiency over prolonged periods.

As Assam continues to confront the complex web of identity politics, economic growth, and the safeguarding of its cultural heritage, the reinvigoration of regionalism is crucial in determining the trajectory of the state’s future. Although the AGP’s reputation may have been compromised due to its alliance with the BJP and various governance setbacks, the saga of the party still echoes the persistent spirit of Assamese pride and tenacity.

Looking ahead, the citizens of Assam bear the responsibility to remain vigilant and ensure that their political leaders are held accountable for their actions. They must advocate for legislative and policy decisions that safeguard and promote the well-being of Assam and its culturally diverse population.

It is only through collective action and a steadfast commitment to the principles of regionalism that Assam can truly harness its capabilities and chart a course toward a flourishing and inclusive future for all its inhabitants.

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