A collective of over 75 influential figures from Assam has urged the Congress to reconsider its decision to field a candidate in the Barpeta constituency for the approaching Lok Sabha elections.
In a letter addressed to Assam Pradesh Congress Committee or APCC president Bhupen Kumar Borah, endorsed by prominent intellectuals, educators, and cultural icons of the State, the signatories implore the party to throw its support behind the Communist Party of India (Marxist) nominee instead.
The written communiqué, also forwarded to the All India Congress Committee or AICC, outlines the imperative of unity among secular political forces. It emphasises the necessity of isolating the BJP and its allies to safeguard the rights and interests of Assam’s populace.
“At this critical juncture, we appeal to you to re-consider the decision for fielding the Congress candidate in Barpeta Parliamentary constituency and withdraw the candidature of your party’s nominee in favour of the CPI(M),” the letter asserts.
The United Opposition Forum, Assam, formed with the shared objective of thwarting the BJP-led ruling alliance, has seen moments of discordance despite both the Congress and CPI(M) being members. Instances of Opposition members competing against each other, notably in Barpeta, have surfaced despite initial indications of joint candidature against the ruling allies.
Deep Bayan, the State Seva Dal chief, has been nominated as the Congress candidate for Barpeta, while the CPI(M) has put forward Manoranjan Talukdar, its sole MLA in the State Assembly. Phani Bhusan Talukdar from the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) represents the ruling alliance in the constituency.
Abdul Khaleque, the incumbent MP from Congress, recently severed ties with the party after being denied a ticket.
Among the notable signatories are luminaries such as Hiren Gohain, Udayaditya Bharali, and Chandra Mohan Sarma. Their collective appeal underscores the urgency for Opposition unity and collaboration to effectively challenge the BJP’s dominance in the forthcoming elections.
