AIUDF Suspends Leaders Amid Allegations of Party Defection Ahead of Assam Elections
In a significant political move, the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) has suspended three leaders, including two legislators, for six years due to alleged party defection ahead of the Assam Assembly elections. This action follows reports of their plans to join the Assam Gana Parishad (AGP), a party allied with the BJP-led NDA. The suspensions have sparked discussions about the BJP's approach to alliances and the political landscape in Assam, especially as Congress claims these leaders had previously supported NDA candidates. Gaurav Gogoi, the Assam Congress president, has raised questions about the BJP's motives in seeking AIUDF's support while labeling it a communal party.
| Mar 6, 2026, 16:51 IST
AIUDF Takes Action Against Leaders
The All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) has suspended three of its leaders, including two legislators, for six years due to activities deemed contrary to the party's interests. This decision comes in light of reports suggesting that these leaders were planning to join the Assam Gana Parishad (AGP) ahead of the upcoming Assam Assembly elections. The AGP is a member of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The suspended individuals are Abdul Aziz, Sahabul Islam Chowdhury, and Karim Uddin Barbhuiya. Barbhuiya served as the vice president of AIUDF and was a legislator from the Srimanta Sankardev Assembly constituency, while Aziz represented Badarpur.
According to the party, the suspensions were enacted because these leaders were preparing to formally join another political party. AIUDF leaders had previously supported NDA candidate Pramod Boro from the United People's Party Liberal (UPPL) during the Rajya Sabha elections. The Congress party, an ally of AIUDF, has claimed that the legislators signed nomination papers in favor of Boro.
Gaurav Gogoi, the president of Assam Congress, stated that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also sought AIUDF's support for the Rajya Sabha elections. He emphasized that this request reveals the BJP's power-centric approach, noting that Sarma has often labeled AIUDF as a communal party. Gogoi, who serves as the deputy leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha, questioned why the BJP would need AIUDF's backing if they genuinely believe the party poses a threat to Assam.