Guwahati, March 24: The Bharatiya Janata Party has suffered a significant organisational setback in Assam’s Dima Hasao district after several senior leaders and dozens of party workers resigned and joined the National People’s Party on March 23, intensifying political churn ahead of the Assembly elections.
The development comes a day after senior BJP leader Nandita Garlosa exited the party to join the Indian National Congress, compounding concerns for the ruling party in the hill district.
Those who switched allegiance alleged a prolonged “neglectful attitude” by the BJP leadership, claiming that their contributions at the grassroots level were consistently overlooked despite years of organisational work. The defectors said this had led to growing dissatisfaction among party workers and local leaders.
Among the prominent names who joined the NPP are former BJP district president Golonjo Thaosen, ex-council member Rahul Naiding, former Deputy Chairman of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council Him Bahadur Chettri, former district BJP vice-president Anup Langthasa, former Digor Mandal BJP president Joybesh Phonglo, and Panjit Kemprai. They were accompanied by 38 BJP workers in what is being seen as a substantial shift in local political alignments.
The induction took place in the presence of NPP candidate Daniel Langthasa, who is contesting from the 113 Haflong (ST) constituency. Addressing the media, the leaders cited internal conflicts within the BJP as a key factor behind their decision to leave the party.
They also levelled allegations against the state government, claiming attempts to undermine the rights of indigenous tribal communities in Dima Hasao and weaken the powers of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council under the Sixth Schedule. Emphasising the need for stronger leadership, they expressed confidence in the NPP candidate and said their move was aimed at challenging the BJP’s hold in the district.
The leaders maintained that their decision was not impulsive but driven by long-standing grievances and lack of recognition within the party. The large-scale defection, witnessed by a considerable turnout of supporters, is expected to reshape the political landscape in Dima Hasao and sharpen the electoral contest in the region.
