The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), aiming for a hat-trick of victories in Assam, is facing unexpected challenges ahead of the April 9 Assembly elections. Several senior leaders who were denied tickets have rebelled, either joining rival parties or contesting as Independents, potentially splitting votes. Additionally, tensions with the BJP’s key ally, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), have led to friendly fights on some constituencies. These internal and alliance-based disputes could complicate the BJP’s path, despite the party appearing strong on paper against a struggling Congress.
High-Profile Leaders Switch Sides After Ticket Denials
Ticket denial has prompted notable leaders to leave the BJP and contest under new banners. Nandita Garlosa, a sitting MLA and minister in the Himanta Biswa Sarma government, joined the Congress and is contesting from Haflong, a seat she previously won. Jayanta Kumar Das, former vice-president of the BJP’s Assam unit, quit the party and is contesting as an Independent from Dispur, where the BJP has fielded Congress turncoat Pradyut Bordoloi. Amar Chand Jain, former BJP MLA from Katigorah, also joined Congress after being denied a ticket and will contest from the same seat. Other senior leaders denied tickets include former state BJP chief Siddhartha Bhattacharjee and five-time MLA Atul Bora, signaling growing dissidence among party veterans.
Alliance Tensions Lead to Friendly Fights
The BJP is also facing challenges on the alliance front, with friendly fights emerging between it and the AGP in several constituencies. In Sivasagar, the AGP fielded Prodip Hazarika as the NDA candidate, but the BJP has nominated Kushal Dowari, creating a direct contest between allies. Both are set to compete against Raijor Dal chief Akhil Gogoi, who has allied with the Congress. Similarly, in the newly formed Chamaria constituency, the AGP fielded Nurul Islam, while the BJP has nominated Jyostna Kalita, setting up another friendly fight. Political analysts suggest that these clashes could split the NDA vote, potentially benefiting the Congress in closely contested seats.
BJP Leadership Confident Despite Challenges
Despite the visible challenges from dissidents and friendly fights, the BJP leadership remains confident of retaining its dominance in Assam. A senior party leader noted that managing internal dissidence will be crucial in certain constituencies, but the party still holds a formidable position as the opposition struggles to reorganize after several high-profile exits. BJP chief spokesperson Rupam Goswami dismissed concerns, stating that the party has multiple leaders in every constituency and that disappointed aspirants will likely reconsider independent runs once they understand the stakes. How the BJP navigates these internal and alliance tensions will play a pivotal role in determining its performance in the upcoming Assembly elections.
