Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) blows poll bugle

A CORRESPONDENT

GOALPARA: "The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) was created by the people of Assam and through a national convention. The contribution of the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) was very much there. But the people of Assam always wanted AASU to remain as a students' organization representing the nationalistic issues," said State Agriculture Minister and AGP president Atul Bora here on Thursday.

Talking to the media persons on the sidelines of the religious minority convention arranged by the regional party at the Rakhyasini area — about 3 km from Goalpara town in the East Goalpara constituency — Bora further said, "The affinity between the AGP and the BJP began in 1996 when Prafulla Kr. Mahanta was the AGP president and Chief Minister. The ties deepened from 2001."

He claimed, "However, alliance doesn't mean that we will lose our secular colour and idealism."

Earlier, Bora addressed a huge gathering at the convention venue. He assured, "Our stand is very clear, and we want to ward off the fears of all religious-minority people. Those who came to the State before March 25, 1971 will stay here and enjoy all privileges as citizens."

State Water Resources Minister Keshab Mahanta also addressed the gathering.

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