"BJP is the most democratic party in the world"
In a politically significant move, three suspended Congress MLAs in Assam - Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha, Basanta Das, and Sashi Kanta Das, joined the BJP.
Basanta Das was elected from politically crucial Mangaldoi constituency in the Darrang district.
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In another significant development in Barak Valley politics; sitting MLA from Sonai assembly segment (in the outskirts of Silchar) Karim Uddin Barbhuiya resigned from the primary membership of the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF).
In his resignation letter addressed to AIUDF president Badruddin Ajmal, the Sonai legislator Barbhuiya expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the party and work under Ajmal’s leadership.
However, Barbhuiya, popularly known as Saju, indicated his intention to join the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), a constituent of BJP-led NDA in the state.
Speaking about the changing political dynamics, Barbhuiya argued that the Muslim community must reassess its political strategy and engage more pragmatically with mainstream power structures rather than remaining confined to limited electoral spaces.
Referring to the roughly 22 constituencies that now have a substantial Muslim voter base in Assam after delimitation, he said restricting political participation to a few community-centric platforms would not ensure meaningful representation or influence.
“In a democracy, no community can afford to isolate itself politically. If Muslims continue to remain confined within a narrow political framework, their voice and aspirations may not find effective space in governance,” he observed.
Drawing a parallel with pragmatic coalition politics in other parts of the country, Barbhuiya referred to the political journey of Nitish Kumar in Bihar, saying that negotiations and alliances in the interest of governance are an established feature of Indian democracy.
“Democratic engagement also means raising issues fearlessly when injustice occurs. If there is injustice, it must be voiced strongly. But at the same time, constructive dialogue with the government remains essential to secure solutions,” he said.
The 'shifting' alliances and recalibrated political messaging are expected to shape the evolving electoral landscape in poll-bound Assam in more ways than one.
In politically significant Borkhola assembly segment, the Congress party has displayed determination to fight strongly.
It has fielded a popular medico Dr Amit Kalwar. His nomination is being seen as part of the party’s effort to combine professional credibility with a message of political renewal.
Kalwar has been vocal about the changes brought by delimitation , arguing that the redrawing of boundaries has altered demographic compositions and created new socio-political dynamics in the constituency.
In his campaign trail; Kalwar has been highlighting issues such as unemployment among Bengalis, rural road connectivity, gaps in healthcare infrastructure and drinking water scarcity.
Analysts say Dr Kalwar's outreach strategy appears aimed at building support across communities, while presenting his candidature as a platform for addressing long-standing developmental challenges.
In another key segment in the Barak Valley; Udharbond, the Congress has turned to experience by reposing faith in Ajit Singh, a veteran leader and former minister.
Ajit Singh has represented the constituency three times in the past.
Udharbond was once considered a Congress stronghold is now almost a 'sure' BJP seat. In the 2016 Assembly elections, Mihir Kanti Shome had wrested the seat from Congress and yet again retained it in 2021.
But Shome is likely to be replaced.
The BJP has around 15 ticket aspirants and in a unique style 10-12 ticket aspirants have made a joint appeal to the party high command "not to field any outsider" in the safe BJP constituency.
Udharbond is considered a safe BJP seat due to demography. There is also an outsider factor working as a non-Bengali and Bhojpuri speaking Rajdeep Gwala from Lakhipur is seeking BJP ticket.
"Mr Gwala has started distribting money and has brought party workers from Lakhipur. This is being opposed by local BJP workers," says Ajay Das, a local resident.
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Economic concerns and matters such as irrigation deficiencies affecting agricultural areas are being raised by the BJP ticket aspirants and the Congress candidate.
Ajit Singh (Congress) has also flagged off the shortcomings in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission in the region. He has also emphasised the need to safeguard employment opportunities for local Bengali youths.
In Sonai, the Congress has nominated senior leader Aminul Haque Laskar.
His political journey has been marked by several transitions - from student activism linked to the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) to the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), then to the BJP and ultimately the Congress.
In Lakhipur, the Congress party has nominated Dr M Santi Kumar Singha, who had previously contested elections under the Trinamool Congress banner.
Similarly, in Patharkandi, the Congress has chosen Karthik Sena Sinha, a veteran political figure and former BJP legislator.
"The Congress nomination underscores the party’s strategy of bringing experienced leaders with established local influence into the electoral fold," says retired banker Poritosh Nag.
Out of power in Assam for a decade; the Congress party is now attempting to build a competitive coalition in Barak Valley by combining youthful candidates, old party veterans and Congress leaders who have switched allegiances from rival parties.
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