AAP Appoints Bhaban Choudhury as Acting President for Assam Unit, Criticises BJP's Governance

Guwahati, March 2: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) announced on Sunday the appointment of its National Joint Secretary, Bhaban Choudhury, as the acting president of its Assam unit. This change in leadership comes just five months after Choudhury was replaced by Manoj Dhanowar as the state president in September last year.

The party clarified that Manoj Dhanowar, the current permanent president, is currently inactive due to "personal reasons," prompting the executive committee to unanimously choose Choudhury during a meeting held on Saturday.

Bhaban Choudhury Condemns Political Suppression and Violence​

Upon resuming charge, Choudhury wasted no time criticizing the BJP-led Assam government, condemning the escalating political violence and suppression of democratic protests. He further accused the government of conducting targeted defamation campaigns against opposition leaders and their families.

“The BJP government is systematically killing democracy by silencing opposition voices. No matter how much suppression they impose, the people of Assam will give them a befitting reply in 2026,” Choudhury stated firmly.

Rising Public Discontent Over Critical Issues​

Highlighting the growing discontent among the public, Choudhury argued that the government has failed miserably in addressing critical issues such as spiraling prices, inflammatory communal remarks, environmental degradation due to deforestation, and recurring floods affecting Assam.

"The frustration among common people is growing every day, and in response, the BJP is intentionally creating a chaotic environment to instill fear among the masses," Choudhury alleged.

He further accused the ruling party of using fear tactics as part of a calculated strategy to suppress dissent ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

Criticism Over the APSC Scam Report​

Choudhury also criticized the Justice (Retd.) Biplab Kumar Sharma Commission’s report on the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) scam. He labeled the investigation, tabled in the Assam Assembly on February 17, as "politically motivated," accusing it of ignoring critical testimonies in favor of statements by the accused, which even judicial authorities found dubious.

The Sharma Commission's report had put former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi under scrutiny for his role in appointing prime accused Rakesh Kumar Paul as a member, and subsequently as chairman, of the APSC.

Allegations of Administrative Misuse and Defamation​

Expressing strong disapproval over what he termed as targeted defamation of spouses of opposition MPs and MLAs, Choudhury questioned the government's reluctance to investigate severe allegations, including illegal coal mining activities in Umrangso and disproportionate assets possessed by ruling party members.

“The entire administrative machinery is being misused for political vendetta,” Choudhury remarked.

A Warning on Assam’s Political Future​

Choudhury concluded by accusing Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of dragging Assam's political atmosphere to an unprecedented low. He warned that Assam's political system is dangerously transforming into a field driven by personal animosity rather than effective governance, calling this trend "extremely dangerous" for the state's democratic health.

AAP’s leadership change and Choudhury’s vocal criticism signal the party’s renewed stance against BJP’s policies and approach, as political tensions build up ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls.