Shyamanta Kashyap Set to Enter Politics from Barhampur Constituency
Political Aspirations of Shyamanta Kashyap
Guwahati, June 12: Shyamanta Kashyap, son of the former Chief Minister of Assam and AGP founder Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, is gearing up for his political debut in the Barhampur constituency. This is a significant seat that his father represented for an impressive seven terms from 1985 until 2021.
Sources indicate that both the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) and Raijor Dal are keen on nominating him as a candidate. The political atmosphere surrounding his potential candidacy has become more vibrant following the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, with numerous leaders visiting him at home.
Notable visitors included Dhubri MP Rakibul Hussain, AJP President Lurinjyoti Gogoi, and General Secretary Jagadish Bhuyan, which suggests a strong interest in his political journey.
Recently, Shyamanta has ramped up his participation in various social and political activities in Barhampur, indicating his growing commitment to public service. Observers have noted that his engagement has intensified, particularly alongside Gaurav Gogoi’s increasing prominence within the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, another political successor stepping into a leadership role.
Adding to the speculation, Shyamanta raised questions about the leadership of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) in a recent social media post, asking: "How secure is the Asom Gana Parishad under the current leadership?" This reflects his concerns regarding the party once led by his father.
The AGP is currently under scrutiny for its internal stagnation, particularly after the nomination of veteran Birendra Prasad Baishya to the Rajya Sabha, which has left younger candidates feeling overlooked. This has led to growing dissatisfaction among grassroots members.
In this context, Shyamanta’s potential entry into the electoral arena has ignited considerable discussion. While it remains uncertain whether he will align with AGP or pursue a different regional path, his recent statements and activities indicate that Barhampur is poised for a significant and potentially transformative electoral battle in the upcoming Assembly elections.