Assam assembly elections witnessed significant developments over the weekend as senior leaders switched political allegiances and party chiefs entered the electoral fray. State minister Nandita Garlosa joined the Congress on Sunday after being denied a BJP ticket and will contest the Haflong constituency in Dima Hasao district. The Congress had initially named state unit general secretary Nirmal Langthasa for Haflong, but he agreed to cede the ticket to Garlosa in "greater public interest," the party said.
“We are happy to announce that Nandita Garlosa has joined the Congress. She has been the voice of Dima Hasao for the last five years, and she has always stood for her beliefs and principles," the party statement said.
The Congress alleged that Garlosa "paid the price for this in the BJP because Himanta Biswa Sarma is only interested in selling the land of tribals to large corporations." Garlosa had represented Haflong in the outgoing assembly, but the BJP replaced her with debutante Rupali Langthasa. A photograph shared by the Assam Congress showed Garlosa joining the party alongside Nirmal Langthasa and other leaders.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited Garlosa’s residence at Haflong on Sunday. Both leaders, however, declined to comment on the outcome of the meeting.
Also read: Rivals regroup as Assam gears up for April 9 polls
Gaurav Gogoi files nomination from Jorhat
Meanwhile, Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi formally entered the state polls by filing his nomination papers from the Jorhat assembly seat on Monday.
The deputy leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha visited religious sites of all communities before starting his rally from Jorhat stadium. The procession lasted about three hours and concluded at the district commissioner's office, drawing large crowds.
Gogoi also paid respects at his family home in the Nazir Ali area, offering prayers before the portrait of his father and former chief minister Tarun Gogoi. He will face five-term BJP MLA Hitendranath Goswami, who has represented Jorhat thrice as an AGP candidate from 1991 and twice for the BJP since 2016.
The last date for filing nominations is Monday, with scrutiny set for March 24 and withdrawal by March 26. Elections to the 126-member Assam assembly will be held on April 9, with votes counted on May 4.
The developments mark a high-stakes start to the Assam assembly polls, with Congress seeking to strengthen its foothold by fielding high-profile candidates and BJP adjusting its ticket distribution. Haflong and Jorhat are expected to witness intense electoral battles, reflecting the broader contest in the state.
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