Guwahati, 23 March (HS): Senior BJP leader and Assam cabinet minister Nandita Garlosa has joined the Indian National Congress after being denied a party ticket for the upcoming elections. Garlosa, who is the sitting MLA from Haflong, switched sides late Sunday night in the presence of Congress leaders, including Haflong candidate Nirmal Langthasa and officials of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC).

According to sources, Garlosa is likely to file her nomination from Haflong on a Congress ticket. Her move comes after the BJP decided not to field her in the elections, opting instead for a new face, Rupali Langthasa, a decision that sparked considerable political discussion given Garlosa’s position as a sitting minister.

Speculation is rife that following her induction into the Congress, Garlosa may emerge as the party’s official candidate from Haflong, potentially replacing Nirmal Langthasa.

The exclusion of Garlosa from the BJP’s candidate list had already drawn attention, particularly as several sitting MLAs were denied tickets this time. The party leadership, including the Chief Minister, had earlier stated that the move was aimed at giving opportunities to new faces in the electoral lineup.

The Congress has termed Garlosa’s entry as a significant boost for the party in Haflong, strengthening its prospects ahead of the elections.

Reacting to the development, Assam BJP president and MP Dilip Saikia said that it would have been a more mature decision had Garlosa chosen not to leave the party. However, he added that her departure remains a personal decision.

Notably, denial of party tickets has led to resignations by several BJP leaders, though the Chief Minister has maintained that the level of dissent within the party is not comparable to that seen in the Congress.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash