The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday released its first list of 88 candidates for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, bringing in several recent entrants from the Congress, including senior leaders Pradyut Bordoloi and Bhupen Kumar Borah.
The announcement signals the BJP’s strategy of expanding its base ahead of the polls by inducting prominent faces from rival parties. Voting for all 126 Assembly seats in Assam will take place in a single phase on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4, as per the Election Commission of India.
Pradyut Bordoloi, who recently quit the Congress and joined the BJP in the presence of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has been fielded from Dispur. Bhupen Kumar Borah, a former state Congress president who switched sides weeks ago, will contest from Bihpuria, a constituency he failed to win in the last two elections. Now contesting on a BJP ticket, the two-time MLA is aiming to return to the Assembly.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will once again contest from Jalukbari, a seat he has represented over multiple terms. Among other candidates announced, minister Pijush Hazarika will contest from Jagiroad, Rupali Langthasa from Haflong, and Prasanta Phukan from Dibrugarh.
In Jorhat, sitting MLA Hitendra Nath Goswami is set for a direct contest against Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi.
Family switch triggers Congress withdrawal in Margherita
Separately, Prateek Bordoloi has pulled out of the race from the Margherita constituency following his father Pradyut Bordoloi’s move to the BJP.
In a letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Prateek Bordoloi said he did not wish to continue as a candidate under the changed circumstances, citing the need to avoid confusion among voters and party workers.
“With utmost respect and a deep sense of responsibility towards the party, I wish to convey my decision to withdraw my candidacy from the Margherita Assembly Constituency. In the present circumstances, following my father’s decision to join another political party. I feel it would not be appropriate for me to continue as a candidate. I believe that the people of Margherita and the countless dedicated Congress workers deserve absolute clarity and confidence in the party’s candidate. It would be unfair to them if any confusion or perception arises regarding my commitment or the party’s position,” he wrote.