Around 30 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and members, including several current and former office bearers, resigned from the party on Monday in support of Daniel Langthasa, who is contesting the upcoming Assam Assembly elections from Haflong on a National People’s Party (NPP) ticket.
Former Haflong MLA Samarjit Haflongbar shared on social media a list of those who resigned from the BJP, stating that these leaders hold significant “influence in their respective areas, and their dedication to the NPP may bolster Daniel Langthasa’s prospects.”
The individuals include Golonjo Thaosen, Rahul Naiding, Him Bh. Chetri, Anup Langthasa, Joydesh Phonglo, Ponjit Kempral, S Van Hrangkhol, Chandra Enghi, Anikson Hanse, Chandan Nunisa, Kunal Porbosa, Sontush Kemprai, Ringlungbe Kuame, Nilutphal Maramsa, Sujib Sengyung, Monto Laubangdisa, Neilung Jeme, Khem Gorkhali, Biten Kemprai, Doleng Daime, Anup Kemprai, Monichand Hagjer, Nikonjoy Langthasa, Subash Hagjer, Bitesh Sengyung, Peulung Riame, Rishi Rijikam, Babusing Pangcho, Ajoy Langthasa, and Pronil Hojai.
The NPP, led by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, is making its debut in Assam this year and has announced three candidates, including Daniel Langthasa. The party has also fielded Ganseng B Sangma from the 28-Boko-Chaygaon (ST) seat and Md Aminul Islam from the 11-Mankachar seat.
Dima Hasao BJP weakening
Meanwhile, the BJP’s position in Dima Hasao appears to have weakened ahead of the elections, particularly after sitting Assam cabinet minister and Haflong MLA Nandita Gorlosa joined the Congress on Sunday and is now set to contest the seat after filing her nomination. Her exit followed the BJP’s decision to deny her a ticket and instead field a new candidate, Rupali Langthasa.
According to reports, her replacement marked a major political shift in the district and brought to light underlying factional tensions within the party, reportedly stemming from long-standing differences between Nandita Gorlosa and North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) executive member Debolal Gorlosa.
Rupali Langthasa, who currently oversees higher education in the NCHAC, has emerged as a key new face. She had earlier won the council election from Diyungbra on a BJP ticket. Her close association with Debolal Gorlosa and growing influence within the council are believed to have strengthened her candidature.
With these developments, the BJP’s weakening in the hill district could potentially benefit candidates like Daniel Langthasa or even Nandita Gorlosa in the upcoming contest.
