The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) on Monday decided to contest the Assam Assembly elections independently, announcing candidates for 21 constituencies after failing to reach a seat-sharing agreement with the Congress.
The decision, taken a day before the nomination deadline, signals a break in coordination between the two INDIA bloc partners in the state and points to a fragmented opposition contest.
In a list released by party general secretary and spokesperson Vinod Kumar Pandey, the JMM named candidates across key constituencies, including Mazbat, Biswanath, Khumtai, Chabua and Gossaingaon.
Among those fielded are Priti Rekha Baria (Mazbat), Teharu Gour (Biswanath), Amit Nag (Khumtai), Bhuben Murari (Chabua) and Phedricson Hasda (Gossaingaon). Other nominees include Baldev Teli (Sonari), Peter Minj (Duliajan), Paban Sautal (Rongonadi), Bharat Nayak (Digboi) and Prabhat Das Panika (Bhergaon).
The party has also named Mahabir Baske (Tingkhong), Abdul Mazan (Barchalla), Mathew Topno (Rangapara), Jemal Minj (Margherita), Sanjay Bagh (Naharkatia) and Muna Karmakar (Makum). The remaining candidates are Ratnakar Tati (Doomdooma), Sahil Munda (Sarupathar), Sonia (Titabor), Pratapching Rangphar (Bokajan-ST) and Prabhakar Das (Khowang).
Party sources said prolonged discussions with the Congress failed to produce a consensus on seat-sharing, leading the JMM to opt for a standalone contest.
The move is seen as part of the party’s effort to expand its footprint beyond Jharkhand, particularly in constituencies with significant tribal and tea tribe populations.
With nominations set to close and campaigning expected to gather pace, the Assam election is shaping up as a multi-cornered contest, with the absence of an opposition alliance likely to influence electoral dynamics in several seats.