Guwahati, March 20: Tensions within the Indian National Congress escalated in Dhubri on the night of March 19, as party workers took to the streets to protest the selection of Baby Begum as the party’s candidate for the upcoming Assam Legislative Assembly elections 2026.
The decision by the party leadership has sparked strong resentment among local cadres, who alleged that the choice disregards grassroots sentiment in a constituency considered politically sensitive due to its demographic composition. Supporters of rival aspirants assembled in different parts of Dhubri town, raising slogans against senior leaders and accusing them of imposing a candidate without adequate consultation.
The protests turned more intense as demonstrators burnt effigies of Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi and senior leader Rakibul Hussain, reflecting visible dissent within the party ranks. Protesters also directed slogans against Hussain, holding the leadership responsible for what they described as a unilateral decision.
Much of the discontent has centred on the exclusion of key local contenders, including Kazi Mahmudul Hasan, Abedur Zaman and Rezaul Islam, all of whom were seen as strong grassroots figures. Supporters argued that overlooking these leaders could weaken the party’s electoral prospects in the constituency.
The unrest comes at a critical juncture, with the All India United Democratic Front fielding sitting MLA Nazrul Hoque and the Bharatiya Janata Party nominating Uttam Kumar Prasad, both of whom are expected to mount strong challenges.
While the Congress had aimed to project unity in Dhubri, the internal discord has raised concerns about a possible split in votes. Party insiders fear that continued dissatisfaction among workers could affect campaign mobilisation or even lead to rebel candidates entering the fray, potentially influencing the electoral outcome in the constituency.
