AASU Calls for Inquiry into Allegations of Coerced Participation in BJP's Jana Ashirwad Yatra

The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) has demanded an investigation into allegations that students were coerced into participating in the BJP's Jana Ashirwad Yatra. Reports suggest that students from Sati Sadhani University faced threats of being marked absent if they did not attend a rally led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. AASU president Utpal Sarma condemned the pressure exerted on students and called for accountability for those responsible. He emphasized the need to maintain the integrity of educational institutions and prevent their politicization. The BJP's outreach program has reportedly engaged over 10 lakh participants across multiple districts.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 9, 2026, 15:20 IST

Demand for Investigation into Student Coercion

Guwahati, March 9: The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) has raised concerns regarding claims that students were compelled to join the BJP's ongoing 'Jana Ashirwad Yatra', which is currently in its eighth day.

According to reports and viral screenshots, the student organization alleged that attendees from Sati Sadhani University in Golaghat were coerced into participating in a rally led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and other BJP leaders, with threats of being marked absent for three days if they did not comply.

In a social media statement on Sunday, AASU president Utpal Sarma emphasized that students should not be forced to engage in political events.

“The Jana Ashirwad Yatra is a BJP initiative. No student should be compelled to take part in a political event,” Sarma stated.

He called for an investigation into the alleged coercion and demanded accountability for those who pressured students.

“Those who, under the pretense of being educators, apply mental pressure on students to curry favor with the BJP must face consequences,” he remarked.

Sarma further accused certain individuals of attempting to politicize educational institutions.

“It is unacceptable for those in administrative roles within educational settings, who are supposed to uphold the integrity of teaching, to be influenced by political agendas. This constitutes academic injustice,” he asserted.

He claimed that some individuals, in their eagerness to appease those in power, are transforming educational institutions into 'political laboratories'.

“Students are being treated like experimental subjects,” Sarma added, alleging that the government is supporting such actions.

He cited the principal of Pragjyotish College as an example, noting that despite joining the BJP in January, the individual remains in their position.

He also referenced a previous incident during the constituency delimitation process when the principal of Bhawanipur College in Barpeta was suspended for participating in a democratic protest.

Sarma urged educational authorities not to mandate student participation in political events.

Meanwhile, the BJP's Jana Ashirwad Yatra continued its journey on Monday, starting from Bajali and set to pass through Tihu before concluding in Nalbari.

On March 7, the sixth day of the yatra commenced from Sarupathar, traversed Golaghat, moved through Khumtai, and concluded at Dergaon.

By that point, the yatra had reached 23 Assembly constituencies across eight districts, reportedly engaging over 10 lakh participants and covering nearly 625 kilometers in six days.