Assam CM Criticizes Congress Candidate List as Dynastic
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's Remarks on Congress Candidates
On Wednesday, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma sharply criticized the Congress party's initial list of candidates for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, labeling it a "dynastic list." He praised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for prioritizing grassroots workers in their selections. Speaking at the Barpeta Doul Festival during the Holi celebrations, Sarma remarked that while it may be called a list, he would refer to it as a dynastic list. In contrast, he assured that the BJP's list would feature dedicated grassroots activists, emphasizing that the party is fully prepared for the elections.
Congress Candidate List Announcement
Sarma's comments followed the announcement made by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) on Tuesday regarding their candidates for the upcoming elections. The party's central election committee has selected a total of 42 candidates from various constituencies across the state. According to an official statement, notable candidates include Assam Congress President Gaurav Gogoi from Jorhat, Bitupan Saikia from Golaghat, Abdus Sobahan Ali Sarkar from Gauripur, Markline Marak from Golpara West (ST), Girish Barua from Bongaigaon, and Mahenanda Sarkar from Barpeta (SC), along with Ramen Singh Rabha from Boko-Chaygaon (ST).
Key Candidates and Representation
Other significant names on the list include Satyabrata Kalita (Kamrup), Ripun Bora (Barhchalla), Meera Borah Thakur Goswami (Dispur), Diganta Barman (Barkhetri), Upatal Gogoi (Sonari), Ajoy Kumar Gogoi (Demo), Debabrata Saikia (Nazira), and Ashok Kumar Sarma (Nalbari). The list also features several female leaders, such as Nandita Das (Hajo-Sualkuchi SC), Pallabi Saikia Gogoi (Teok), and Suruchi Roy (Ram Krishna Nagar SC), ensuring representation from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe constituencies.
Official Confirmation of Candidates
The announcement was officially signed by AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal and released for publication, confirming the nominations ahead of the crucial state elections.
Foundation Stone Laid for Birangana Sati Sadhana
Earlier, on Tuesday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma laid the foundation stone for the Birangana Sati Sadhana Samannay area in Komarigaon, Golaghat district. This initiative aims to honor Birangana Sati Sadhani and preserve the rich heritage of the historical Chutia Empire for future generations.