A controversy surrounding the Chhatra Janata Parishad’s (CJP) “School Thik Koro” campaign has intensified in Assam, with the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), CJP, and political leaders exchanging sharp views over the initiative aimed at highlighting the condition of government schools.
The debate began after AASU general secretary Samiran Phukan raised concerns about CJP’s activities in the state, alleging that the organisation’s school visits were politically motivated and could contribute to instability. Phukan urged the people of Assam to closely observe the activities of the CJP and argued that while developmental work is welcome, such efforts should not be driven by political objectives.
His remarks drew strong criticism from Raijor Dal president and Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi, who questioned the comparison made by Phukan between CJP’s activities and the alleged efforts of extremist and fundamentalist groups. Gogoi said the comments sounded more like those of a spokesperson for the ruling BJP than those of a student organisation.
“No one expects such a statement from a national organisation or a student body. I believe Samiran Phukan may have made these remarks without consulting other senior AASU leaders,” Gogoi said. He also expressed hope that AASU adviser Dr Samujjal Bhattacharya and president Utpal Sharma would ask Phukan to reconsider his position.
Gogoi argued that no progressive organisation should oppose a mass movement or student-led campaign seeking reforms in the education sector. He described the attempt to link the issue with drugs, fundamentalism and other concerns as unfortunate and unnecessary.
Amid the growing controversy, AASU president Utpal Sharma sought to clarify the organisation’s position. He acknowledged that AASU has ideological differences with the CJP and noted that political leaders often participate in CJP programmes, whereas AASU keeps its platform free from political leaders. However, Sharma stressed that AASU has no objection to efforts aimed at improving the education system.
He pointed out that AASU had previously expressed solidarity with CJP-led protests demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and had supported Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike. Sharma said the condition of public educational institutions has long been a concern for AASU and that the students’ body has been highlighting such issues for decades.
According to Sharma, Assam’s public education sector remains in a poor state, with nearly 300 educational institutions still functioning with only a single teacher. He said AASU welcomes any initiative that draws attention to these shortcomings.
At the same time, Sharma urged the CJP to understand Assam’s broader concerns, including illegal immigration, constitutional safeguards for indigenous people, fundamentalism and the growing drug menace. While reaffirming support for educational reforms, he said these issues are equally important for Assam’s future.
The dispute has added a fresh political dimension to the debate over education, activism and public policy in Assam, with both organisations continuing to defend their respective positions.