AAP Assam is facing internal turmoil as state president Manoj Dhanowar and women’s wing chief Masuma Begum have resigned from their posts. Their departures come at a time when the party is struggling to maintain its foothold in Assam’s political landscape. While Dhanowar cited personal reasons for stepping down, Begum not only resigned from her position but also left the party entirely, signaling deeper discontent within the state unit.
Party insiders reveal that differences between the leadership and key members had been growing for months. Dhanowar had reportedly been unhappy with the central leadership’s lack of attention to Assam’s political dynamics. His absence from recent party meetings had already fueled speculation about his dissatisfaction. On the other hand, Begum’s decision to sever all ties with AAP points to internal conflicts that may have been brewing for a while.
AAP had gained traction in Assam after its performance in the last civic body elections, where it managed to secure a few key victories. However, the party has struggled to build on that momentum. The absence of a strong organizational structure and local leadership capable of steering the party effectively has been a major drawback. With Dhanowar and Begum’s exit, AAP now faces an even bigger challenge in reviving its presence in the state.
Sources indicate that both leaders had expressed concerns over the party’s functioning in Assam. They had reportedly pushed for greater autonomy in decision-making, arguing that local leaders needed more say in strategizing for the state. However, the central leadership’s reluctance to accommodate these demands led to growing frustration. This ultimately resulted in their resignations, dealing a significant blow to AAP’s Assam unit.
Political analysts believe that AAP’s struggles in Assam are indicative of a larger issue within the party’s national expansion strategy. While it has found success in states like Punjab and Delhi, replicating that model in Assam has proven to be difficult. The party’s failure to establish strong grassroots connections and its inability to retain influential regional leaders have weakened its prospects in the state.
Manoj Dhanowar, a well-known leader in Assam’s political circles, had been instrumental in expanding AAP’s reach in the state. His departure leaves a leadership vacuum that will be difficult to fill. Masuma Begum, as the women’s wing chief, had also played a crucial role in mobilizing female voters, and her exit further weakens the party’s outreach efforts.
The resignations have sparked discussions about whether AAP will be able to recover from this setback. Some party workers believe that a complete restructuring of the state unit is necessary. Others argue that unless the central leadership adopts a more flexible approach toward state-specific challenges, AAP’s position in Assam will continue to decline.
With crucial state and national elections approaching, AAP will need to act swiftly to address the crisis. The party must find capable leaders who can rebuild its image and reconnect with voters. If it fails to do so, its presence in Assam could shrink further, leaving it as a minor player in the state’s political landscape.
Opposition parties have already started capitalizing on AAP’s internal troubles. BJP leaders in Assam have pointed to these resignations as evidence of AAP’s instability and lack of direction. Congress leaders, too, have criticized the party’s inability to retain its key members. These developments have placed AAP in a precarious position, and the coming months will be crucial in determining its future in Assam politics.
For now, AAP’s state unit is in damage-control mode. Party officials have assured workers that steps will be taken to rebuild the leadership team and strengthen the organization. However, whether these assurances will translate into real action remains uncertain. If the party fails to address the root causes of its internal strife, more leaders may follow Dhanowar and Begum’s path, further diminishing AAP’s political relevance in Assam.
