Ticket Disputes Erupt in Silchar Congress Ahead of Municipal Elections

Tensions erupted within the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee as supporters protested candidate selections for the Silchar Municipal Corporation elections. Furniture was vandalized at the district office, highlighting internal divisions just as the campaign begins. The unrest stems from allegations that established party members were overlooked in favor of a recent BJP defector. With the nomination deadline approaching, the party faces a significant challenge in unifying its base. This incident raises questions about the leadership's ability to manage internal dissent as the elections draw near.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 10, 2026, 17:38 IST

Unrest at Silchar District Congress Office

Party supporters reportedly vandalised furniture at Silchar District Congress office over ticket row, on Thursday. (AT Photo)

Silchar, Sept 10: The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee's efforts to unify its stance for the upcoming Silchar Municipal Corporation elections faced significant disruption due to internal conflicts on Thursday, following the announcement of candidates for 39 out of 42 wards.

Reports indicate that furniture was damaged at the Silchar District Congress office as some party members protested the candidate selections for Wards 27 and 36.

Damage was noted in the office of district Congress president Sajal Acharjee, who was absent during the incident.

Former minister and senior party figure Misbahul Islam Laskar was present at the Congress office amidst the turmoil. Law enforcement was called to the scene to restore order.

Protesters claimed that the party had neglected long-standing members by granting a ticket in one ward to a woman leader who recently switched from the BJP.

When approached for comments, party representatives refrained from responding, and attempts to reach district president Acharjee were unsuccessful.

No official statement from the district Congress leadership was available at the time of this report.

This unrest has exposed the Congress's internal divisions right at the start of the campaign, presenting a challenge for the party's leadership.

The candidate list was previously approved by Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi and shared via a circular from general secretary (organisation) Ramanna Baruah.

Candidates for Wards 20, 21, and 34 remain unannounced, suggesting ongoing discussions regarding these positions.

The list features a mix of organizational leaders and former civic representatives. Notably, Radha Das has been nominated from Ward 7, and former Mahila Congress president Bandita Trivedi from Ward 8.

Ward 13 is anticipated to be highly competitive, with advocate Binay Krishna Das, a former municipal commissioner and vice-chairperson of the previous Silchar Municipal Board, representing the party. This ward has garnered attention due to dissent within the BJP regarding its candidate.

Ironically, the APCC circular instructing District Congress Committee members and party workers to fully support the nominees and collaborate on the campaign contrasts sharply with the unrest that unfolded later.

The discord at the district office underscores the disconnect between the leadership's call for solidarity and the reactions of dissatisfied factions on the ground.

The deadline for filing nominations is September 11, with scrutiny scheduled for September 14, and candidates can withdraw their nominations until September 17. Voting is set for October 3, with results to be counted on October 6.