Date:13/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/13/stories/2008101357661400.htm

National

AASU opposes Mahanta’s return to AGP

Guwahati: The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) has called for observance of October 14 — the day on which the three regional parties are scheduled to merge with the Asom Gana Parishad — as “the day of betrayal” as the merger, the student body alleged would facilitate return of former Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta back to the AGP.

The three regional parties including the AGP (Pragatisheel) headed by Mr. Mahanta will formally merge with the AGP at Golaghat on Tuesday coinciding with foundation day of the regional party. Leaders of the all four regional parties including Mr. Mahanta met at the AGP Legislature party office at a tea party hosted by the Leader of the Opposition and AGP president Chandra Mohan Patowary and exchanged opinion about the unification process. The other two regional parties that will merge with the AGP are Trinamool Gana Parishad (TGP) and Purbanchaliya Loka Parishad (Prabin Deka faction).

The AASU has vowed to oppose Mr. Mahanta’s return to AGP and has called for hanging of effigy of the former Chief Minister with his face blackened at public places across the State including Golaghat town where the regional parties will formally merge.