Dibrugarh: In a major political development, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) — a key ally in Assam’s BJP-led government — has officially declared its full support for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six major communities of the state. The announcement marks a historic policy shift for the regional party, long seen as cautious on the issue.
Speaking after a special party meeting at the Gymkhana Club in Amolapatty, Dibrugarh, Rajya Sabha MP Birendra Prasad Baishya said, “We are clear and have no hesitation — the demand for ST status by the six communities of Assam has and will have full support from the AGP.” The six communities — Tai Ahom, Moran, Motok, Chutiya, Koch-Rajbongshi, and Tea Tribes — have intensified statewide protests seeking long-pending tribal recognition.
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Senior AGP leaders including MP Phani Bhushan Choudhury, MLAs Ramendra Narayan Kalita, Prithviraj Rabha, and Ponakan Baruah attended the meeting. Baishya said the decision was formalised during the AGP’s deliberation meeting in Guwahati on October 24–25 under the leadership of party president Atul Bora.
The AGP will soon begin consultations with representatives of all six communities to coordinate advocacy efforts. Meetings with Tai Ahom groups in Sivasagar and Chutiya leaders later this week are part of the first phase.
Political observers view the AGP’s bold stance as a potential game-changer in Assam’s tribal politics, especially in the run-up to the 2026 Assembly elections.
