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

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday spoke to the media about the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party)’s alliance with the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, stressing that the relationship between the two parties is based on mutual respect and informal dialogue.

Addressing questions on seat-sharing, Sarma made it clear that AGP is an independent political party. “AGP is not run by BJP. JP Nadda is not the president of AGP—Atul Bora is,” he said. “So if AGP says it wants to contest 100 seats, I have no right to comment on that.”

The Chief Minister explained that discussions on seat-sharing can only happen if AGP decides to contest the elections as an ally of the BJP. “If AGP wants to fight the election together with us, then Atul Bora and Dilip Saikia will sit together and decide how many seats AGP will get,” he said. “But if AGP chooses to contest on its own, BJP cannot stop or restrict them.”

Sarma also dismissed speculation about any strain in the BJP–AGP relationship. “Our representatives are already in discussion with Atul Bora. I have personally spoken to Phani Bhusan Choudhury several times,” he said. “We are together in the cabinet, so we talk every day. It’s not like our relationship is sour.”

Highlighting the informal nature of their alliance, Sarma said there is no need for publicised or formal meetings. “We don’t need to organise meetings and inform the media professionally,” he said. “We can discuss things personally. You may not even know when our discussions take place.”

Drawing a contrast with other political parties, the Chief Minister remarked, “The way Raijor Dal and Congress hold official meetings, BJP and AGP don’t function like that. We are like brothers. Things are not so formal between us.”

Adding a personal touch, Sarma said, “Atul Bora lives just in front of my house. I can simply call him and say, ‘Let’s go for a walk,’ and discussions can happen. Our ministers are always in touch.”

He said that when a decision is finalised, both parties will announce it together. “AGP and BJP will decide among ourselves, and one day we will simply announce it before you,” Sarma said.

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