<p>Elections in Assam without <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/prafulla-kumar-mahanta">Prafulla Kumar Mahanta </a>in the fray were unimaginable. But Mahanta, now 73, has stayed away from the electoral battle since 2021. </p><p>As the leader of the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), he spearheaded the anti‑foreigners’ movement (1979-1985) before founding the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and becoming the country’s youngest chief minister at 33. </p><p>He told DH that Assam’s foreigners problem cannot be solved as long as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), passed by the Modi government, remains in force. </p><p><strong>Q) How do you view the election contest with the BJP and Congress leading two alliances?</strong></p><p><strong>A)</strong> I expect a good contest this time.</p><p><strong>Q) BJP’s narrative revolves around Hindu identity, while Congress is promising to create a Bor Axom (greater secular Assam).</strong></p><p><strong>A)</strong> What the BJP has been saying is not practical. As for the Congress’ stand, they cannot establish Bor Axom — they had several chances in the past.</p><p><strong>Q) Your fight was against the foreigners' problem in Assam. The BJP also promised to solve the issue and has been in power for 10 years.</strong></p><p><strong>A)</strong> The BJP is not moving in the right direction. They have not taken the necessary steps, and much remains to be done to address the problem. What they have been saying is not applicable in the present scenario.</p><p><strong>Q) What is the solution?</strong></p><p><strong>A)</strong> The Assam Accord set March 24, 1971, as the cutoff date to deport foreigners. But the CAA goes against the Accord. Their stand undermines the Accord, and the problem cannot be solved as long as the CAA remains.</p><p><strong>Q) What is your view about the AGP's role? The party has been with the BJP since 2016.</strong></p><p><strong>A)</strong> By staying with the BJP, they have not been able to solve the problem. They cannot. They must take positive steps. </p><p><strong>Q) How do you look at the Opposition alliance led by Gaurav Gogoi?</strong> </p><p><strong>A)</strong> Every election is a challenge. But Gaurav has not yet been able to demonstrate his effectiveness as a leader. This election will be a test for him.</p><p><strong>Q)</strong> Why aren't you contesting? </p><p>A) It is due to health reasons.</p>
<p>Elections in Assam without <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/prafulla-kumar-mahanta">Prafulla Kumar Mahanta </a>in the fray were unimaginable. But Mahanta, now 73, has stayed away from the electoral battle since 2021. </p><p>As the leader of the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), he spearheaded the anti‑foreigners’ movement (1979-1985) before founding the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and becoming the country’s youngest chief minister at 33. </p><p>He told DH that Assam’s foreigners problem cannot be solved as long as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), passed by the Modi government, remains in force. </p><p><strong>Q) How do you view the election contest with the BJP and Congress leading two alliances?</strong></p><p><strong>A)</strong> I expect a good contest this time.</p><p><strong>Q) BJP’s narrative revolves around Hindu identity, while Congress is promising to create a Bor Axom (greater secular Assam).</strong></p><p><strong>A)</strong> What the BJP has been saying is not practical. As for the Congress’ stand, they cannot establish Bor Axom — they had several chances in the past.</p><p><strong>Q) Your fight was against the foreigners' problem in Assam. The BJP also promised to solve the issue and has been in power for 10 years.</strong></p><p><strong>A)</strong> The BJP is not moving in the right direction. They have not taken the necessary steps, and much remains to be done to address the problem. What they have been saying is not applicable in the present scenario.</p><p><strong>Q) What is the solution?</strong></p><p><strong>A)</strong> The Assam Accord set March 24, 1971, as the cutoff date to deport foreigners. But the CAA goes against the Accord. Their stand undermines the Accord, and the problem cannot be solved as long as the CAA remains.</p><p><strong>Q) What is your view about the AGP's role? The party has been with the BJP since 2016.</strong></p><p><strong>A)</strong> By staying with the BJP, they have not been able to solve the problem. They cannot. They must take positive steps. </p><p><strong>Q) How do you look at the Opposition alliance led by Gaurav Gogoi?</strong> </p><p><strong>A)</strong> Every election is a challenge. But Gaurav has not yet been able to demonstrate his effectiveness as a leader. This election will be a test for him.</p><p><strong>Q)</strong> Why aren't you contesting? </p><p>A) It is due to health reasons.</p>