BDF Slams Brahmaputra Valley Intellectuals Over Bihu Holiday Controversy at Assam University

The Chief Minister’s initiative for the Brahmaputra Valley and Barak Valley integration may fail due to some overripe journalists and radical intellectuals – BDF

The Barak Democratic Front (BDF) has strongly condemned what it terms as a “Barak-phobic” reaction from certain journalists and intellectuals in the Brahmaputra Valley, following a controversy surrounding the Bihu holiday at Assam University. The organization has warned that such attitudes threaten the ongoing efforts for unity between Assam’s Barak and Brahmaputra Valleys.

Controversy Over Bihu Holiday
The issue began when senior journalist and writer from the Brahmaputra Valley, Manoj Kumar Goswami, publicly criticized Assam University on social media for not declaring a holiday on Bihu. This comment quickly sparked a wave of discontent from a section of Brahmaputra Valley intellectuals, who accused Assam University of ignoring Assamese traditions.

BDF’s Response
In a press release, Jaydeep Bhattacharya, Chief Convener of BDF’s Media Cell, stated that the controversy was based on misinformation and rooted in a long-standing bias against Barak Valley. He clarified that central universities follow a national-level academic calendar issued by the central government, which does not always include regional holidays like Bihu. He also cited Tezpur University as an example, which similarly does not observe Bihu as a holiday.
Bhattacharya further refuted allegations that Assam University grants 26 days of holiday for Durga Puja, calling it a baseless claim fueled by hatred and misinformation.

Historical Grievances
Kalparnab Gupta, Chief Convener of the BDF Youth Front, challenged the narrative that Assam University was established due to the Asom Agitation. He emphasized that the people of Barak Valley were instrumental in the decade-long movement demanding the university. He also recalled how students from Barak were mistreated by All Assam Students’ Union (ASU) cadres during that period, with incidents of physical assault and destruction of academic documents.
Gupta alleged that ASU and the People’s Struggle Committee had opposed the establishment of Assam University, and attempts were made to erase this history. He cited the case of Professor Subir Kar’s unpublished manuscript, which was allegedly pulled back from the press to avoid revealing these facts.

Threats to Integration
BDF members expressed concern that the recent controversy undermines the Chief Minister’s ongoing efforts to promote integration between the two valleys. They appreciated initiatives like the proposal to host the Assam Sahitya Sabha in Barak Valley but warned that continued hostility from Brahmaputra Valley elites could derail such efforts.

Call for Mutual Respect
Another BDF leader, Hrishikesh Dey, responded to claims that Barak Valley is draining Assam’s resources by highlighting the region’s economic strengths. He noted Barak’s 125 tea estates, rich natural gas reserves, and top land revenue collections from Cachar district. He asserted that the region is economically self-reliant and could function independently if needed.

Final Statement
BDF concluded by urging the Assam government to recognize the deep-rooted cultural, linguistic, and political differences between the two valleys. The group warned that if one-sided attitudes continue, the demand for a separate Barak state could gain momentum. They emphasized that true integration requires mutual respect and understanding.

(This story has not been edited by News Mania staff and is published from a Media Release)