AGP Draws Red Line on Seat Sharing, Seeks ‘Respectable’ Understanding with BJP

Amid growing speculation over seat-sharing arrangements within the BJP–AGP alliance ahead of the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) working president and state Minister Keshab Mahanta on Saturday asserted that any understanding must be reached in a “respectable manner” and in line with political arithmetic.

Reacting to reports that several AGP leaders have announced their intent to contest elections independently, Mahanta said discussions would primarily focus on constituencies where AGP candidates have previously won or where the party has already begun organisational preparations. However, he clarified that no final decision has yet been taken on how many seats AGP will contest.

“It is not possible to give a precise answer at this stage on how many seats AGP will contest. We believe the matter will be resolved respectfully. All decisions must align with political realities,” Mahanta said.

Responding to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s recent remarks that AGP is free to contest elections wherever it wishes, Mahanta reiterated the need for balance and restraint.

“Authority alone does not justify doing everything. Political decisions must be taken responsibly and with mutual understanding,” he said.

CM: AGP Is an Independent Party

Earlier, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma addressed the media, underlining that AGP is an independent political entity and not run by the BJP.

“AGP is not governed by BJP. JP Nadda is not the president of AGP—Atul Bora is. If AGP says it wants to contest 100 seats, I have no right to comment,” Sarma said.

The Chief Minister explained that formal seat-sharing discussions would only take place if AGP chooses to contest the elections as part of the BJP-led alliance.

“If AGP wants to fight together with us, then leaders from both parties will sit and decide seat distribution. But if AGP decides to contest independently, BJP cannot restrict them,” he added.

Dismissing rumours of tension between the two allies, Sarma said communication between BJP and AGP leaders remains continuous and cordial.

“We are together in the cabinet. We speak daily. There is no bitterness. Our discussions do not need to be formal or publicised,” he said, describing the alliance as one based on mutual respect rather than rigid protocols.

AGP on Welfare Politics

Mahanta also responded to the Congress party’s criticism of the Arunodoi scheme, defending the flagship welfare programme.

“The Arunodoi scheme has strengthened households economically. It has provided direct financial support to families and empowered them,” he said.

Disaster Response Boosted

Separately, Assam’s disaster management infrastructure received a significant boost as the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) was provided 40 new rubber boats on Saturday. The boats were handed over at the Fancy Bazar's River Terminal in Guwahati in the presence of Minister Keshab Mahanta.

With this addition, the SDRF now has a total of 347 rubber boats. Of the newly inducted boats, 20 have been deployed in Kaziranga, 8 in Dibru-Saikhowa, and 4 in Orang. These boats are expected to significantly enhance rescue operations during floods and other disasters.

Mahanta noted that Guwahati also has 27 engine-less boats to deal with artificial flooding during heavy rainfall.

Also Read: If AGP wants to contest 100 seats, let them! I have no right to comment on that: Assam CM