AITC's New Candidate List Sparks Political Tensions in Assam

Political Developments in Assam

Guwahati, Mar 22: The All Indian Trinamool Congress (AITC) has ignited a new wave of political activity in Assam by unveiling its second list of candidates. This list features the controversial former Congress MLA Sherman Ali Ahmed, who will contest from Mandia, while the party has retracted the candidacy of its senior vice-president Dulu Ahmed from Chamaria.

Released on Sunday, this new list includes seven candidates, bringing the total to 17 after the initial announcement of 11 nominees. However, this decision has revealed underlying tensions within the opposition coalition.

Sherman Ali has criticized rival leaders, claiming there is internal resistance within the alliance. He mentioned that Debabrata Saikia, the leader of the Congress Legislature Party, had submitted a note indicating he would resign if Ali was nominated for Mandia under any 'friendly contest' arrangement.

Additionally, Lurinjyoti Gogoi, a leader of the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), is reported to have opposed Ali's candidacy, expressing hesitance to remain in an alliance that includes him. Ali stated, 'I am deeply hurt by these developments.'

He further alleged that Congress's Mandia candidate, Abdul Khalek, was so concerned about a friendly contest that he spent significant amounts to prevent Ali from receiving a ticket.

Ali expressed his disappointment, saying, 'I am a resident of Assam, yet no party accepted me. What was my fault? With a heavy heart, I have joined AITC.'

His transition to AITC marks a significant shift in his political journey. A three-term MLA, Ali had been suspended from Congress for much of his time there due to alleged disciplinary issues and had recently joined Raijor Dal. However, after being denied a ticket from that party, he quickly aligned with Mamata Banerjee's AITC, which nominated him for Mandia.

In addition to Mandia, the second list from AITC includes candidates Rojy Ahmed (Hajo-Sualkuchi), Avijit Mazumdar (Guwahati Central), Inus Kumar Kandan (Chabua-Lahowal), Paresh Borah (Mariani), Parimal Ranjan Roy (Karimganj North), and Aziz Ahmed Khan (Karimganj South).

The party has also confirmed the withdrawal of Dulu Ahmed’s candidacy from Chamaria, amending its earlier list.

These recent developments highlight the escalating political maneuvering as the nomination deadline approaches, revealing increasing friction within the opposition as parties rush to finalize their candidates.