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Assam Congress MLAs Defect to BJP, Calling Party's Candidate List "Dynastic"

Three suspended Congress MLAs have switched to the BJP in Assam, dealing a blow to the opposition ahead of the assembly elections. A Union Minister from the BJP criticized the Congress's candidate list, saying it lacks "freshness" and contains many previously rejected figures. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma amplified this attack, labeling the Congress list "dynastic" and contrasting it with the BJP's focus on grassroots workers. The defections and political rhetoric intensify the battle as the BJP-led alliance seeks a third consecutive term in the state.

Key Points: Congress MLAs Join BJP, Slam "Dynastic" List Ahead of Assam Polls

  • 3 suspended Congress MLAs join BJP
  • Union Minister calls Congress list stale
  • CM Sarma labels it a "dynastic list"
  • BJP eyes third consecutive term in Assam
2 min read

Assam: Three suspended Congress MLAs join BJP ahead of Assembly elections

Three suspended Congress MLAs defect to BJP in Assam. Union Minister criticizes Congress candidate list as lacking "freshness," echoing CM's "dynastic" charge.

"One may call it a list, but I would call it a dynastic list. - Himanta Biswa Sarma"

Guwahati, March 5

Three suspended Assam Congress MLAs Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha, Basanta Das, and Sashi Kanta Das joined the Bharatiya Janata Party at the State BJP headquarters in Guwahati on Saturday in the presence of state party president Dilip Saikia, ahead of the Assembly elections.

Congress leaders switching to the BJP ahead of the polls is likely to mount trouble for the party, especially after last month, former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah joined the ruling party.

Union Minister of State (MoS) Pabitra Margherita told ANI, "Leaders and functionaries from other parties, especially Congress, are joining the BJP today. They are showing their support for our ideology."

Further, Margherita said that Congress' list of 42 candidates for the upcoming elections lacks "freshness."

The All India Congress Committee (AICC) on Tuesday announced its list of 42 candidates for the upcoming Assam Legislative Assembly elections.

"The list of candidates released by Congress doesn't have any freshness. Almost 20 of the 42 candidates were already rejected by the people on many occasions in the previous elections. We do not have any concerns," Pabitra Margherita said.

Earlier on Wednesday, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma slammed the Congress' list of candidates, calling it a "dynastic list," while highlighting the BJP's emphasis on grassroots workers.

Speaking to reporters, CM Sarma said, "One may call it a list, but I would call it a dynastic list. In contrast, the BJP's list would include grassroots workers. The party is fully prepared for the upcoming elections."

According to an official release, the list includes Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi (Jorhat), Bitupan Saikia (Golaghat), Abdus Sobahan Ali Sarkar from Gauripur, Markline Marak from Goalpara West (ST), Girish Baruah from Bongaigaon, Mahananda Sarkar from Barpeta (SC), and Ramen Singh Rabha from Boko-Chaygaon (ST).

Other prominent names are Satyabrat Kalita (Kamalpur), Ripun Bora (Barchalla), Mira Borthakur Goswami (Dispur), Diganta Barman (Barkhetri), Uptal Gogoi (Sonari), Ajoy Kumar Gogoi (Demow), Debabrata Saikia (Nazira), and Ashok Kumar Sarma (Nalbari).

Several women leaders have also been fielded, including Nandita Das (Hajo-Sualkuchi SC), Pallabi Saikia Gogoi (Teok), and Suruchi Roy (Ram Krishana Nagar SC).

The BJP-led NDA is looking to retain power after two consecutive election wins against the Congress-led alliance in Assam.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone from Assam, I'm tired of this political musical chairs. Elections are coming and everyone is jumping ship. Where is the ideology? It's all about power and positions. The common people's issues get lost in this drama. 🤦‍♀️
R
Rohit P
The BJP's strategy of welcoming turncoats might win them elections, but it dilutes party ideology. What's the guarantee these leaders won't switch again if they don't get tickets? Grassroots workers who have built the party deserve more respect.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to watch Indian politics! The comment about Congress list lacking "freshness" seems valid. Voters do want new faces and ideas, not the same politicians election after election. Hope this competition leads to better governance for Assam.
V
Vikram M
Development should be the only agenda. If these MLAs believe BJP can deliver better infrastructure, roads, and jobs for Assam, then their move is justified. Let's see what the final voter mandate says! 🗳️
K
Kavya N
Good to see several women candidates in Congress's list. That's a positive step for representation. But the overall defection trend is worrying. Politics is becoming too transactional. Where are the principles?

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