Assam Minister Nandita Gorlosa Joins Congress After BJP Ticket Denial
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Guwahati, March 23 (NationPress) In a notable shift in the political landscape before the Assam Assembly elections, state Minister Nandita Gorlosa has defected to the Congress party after being denied a ticket by the BJP, and she will be contesting from the Haflong constituency. The Congress party officially declared her candidacy on Monday, announcing that their previous candidate, party General Secretary Nirmal Langthasa, has stepped down for the “greater public interest” to support Gorlosa.
Gorlosa, who currently serves as the MLA from Haflong, made this move shortly after the BJP nominated first-time candidate Rupali Langthasa for the same seat. This transition is viewed as a politically significant maneuver in the Dima Hasao district, where Gorlosa has established a robust support base over the last five years.
Upon her joining, Congress welcomed Gorlosa, highlighting her consistent advocacy for district issues and her unwavering political stance.
The party also criticized the BJP leadership, claiming that the refusal to grant her a ticket indicated a disconnect with the needs of the indigenous tribal communities.
Senior Congress leader Jitendra Singh Alwar remarked on X that leaders dedicated to safeguarding Assam and promoting its prosperity are aligning with Congress. He characterized Gorlosa as a powerful advocate for Dima Hasao, who has maintained her integrity despite political adversity.
Alwar further accused the BJP government, under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, of neglecting tribal affairs in favor of corporate land interests.
He reiterated that the Congress party remains committed to protecting the rights, identity, and future of Assam’s populace.
Gorlosa joined Congress in the presence of Nirmal Langthasa, who expressed his support for her candidacy after withdrawing from the electoral contest.
This development is anticipated to heighten the electoral competition in Haflong, a critical constituency in Assam's hill district, as political parties prepare for a tightly contested election.