Independent Candidate Jayanta Das Criticizes BJP's Ticket Denial
Jayanta Das Speaks Out on Party Politics
Guwahati, March 26: Jayanta Das, who has left the BJP to run as an Independent candidate in the Dispur constituency, emphasized that voters should prioritize candidates over party symbols. He attributed his denial of a party ticket to a single individual.
Here are key excerpts from his interview:
Interviewer: Many candidates, including current MLAs, have been overlooked for party tickets. What led to your decision?
Das: I have been affiliated with the BJP since 1990. In 2001, I sought a ticket but later withdrew. In 2006, I was persuaded by Pramod Mahajan to contest from Jalukbari, despite my initial reluctance due to unfamiliarity with the area. Although I lost, I helped strengthen the party's presence there. Since 2011, I was promised a ticket but was denied at the last moment, leading to accusations of financial motives, which are unfounded. This time, I was overlooked for someone who had only recently joined the BJP, which I find unacceptable given my long-standing commitment to the constituency.
Interviewer: You haven't publicly criticized the BJP much.
Das: The responsibility for my ticket denial lies with one person. I approached the Chief Minister for a ticket, but he refused to engage with me and ultimately denied my request. I am unsure why I was treated unjustly.
Interviewer: What are your chances in the election?
Das: They are quite promising. Since announcing my candidacy, I've received overwhelming support from the community, with many reaching out to me.
Interviewer: As a former AASU member, what prompted you to join the BJP?
Das: I witnessed the BJP's support during the Assam agitation when I was in sixth grade. I believed they were the only party capable of addressing the issue of illegal immigration, which motivated my early involvement.
Interviewer: Would you have taken this step if Atul Bora had received a ticket?
Das: Perhaps not. He is a respected senior member of the party. Voters should focus on candidates rather than party affiliations; this shift could resolve many issues.
Interviewer: Contesting elections requires significant funds. Do you have the necessary resources?
Das: Financial resources are not a concern. Supporters are establishing my campaign offices, providing vehicles, and assisting with promotional materials. Even a rickshaw puller offered me financial help. The community knows my contributions, such as distributing medicines and rations during the pandemic and planting over 7,800 saplings in the area.
Interviewer: You plan to establish a Trinamool BJP. Given the dominance of existing regional parties, can you thrive independently?
Das: I assure you we will establish district committees within six months and can sustain ourselves.
Interviewer: You've been critical of the BJP's social media strategies.
Das: Indeed. Since I announced my candidacy, the BJP's social media team has been actively targeting me. Many of the accounts posting against me are locked, indicating they are likely fake.