In a massive pre-poll jolt to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), sitting Cabinet Minister Nandita Gorlosa has officially resigned from the party and joined the Indian National Congress. The high-profile defection comes just weeks before the single-phase Assam Assembly elections scheduled for April 9, 2026.Why Did Nandita Gorlosa Leave the BJP?The primary reason behind the split is the denial of a ticket. The BJP recently released its candidate list for the 126-member assembly, notably replacing Gorlosa in her stronghold, the Haflong (ST) constituency, with newcomer Rupali Langthasa.Deeply aggrieved by the decision, Gorlosa submitted her resignation to State BJP President Dilip Saikia, stepping down from both her ministerial role and primary party membership. "I have served with dedication, but the party's current direction in Dima Hasao has left me with no choice but to seek a new platform," sources close to her stated.Congress Reshuffles to Accommodate MinisterThe Congress party has welcomed Gorlosa with open arms, viewing her entry as a "game-changer" for the hill districts. In a rare move showing strategic unity:Sacrifice for the Party: Senior Congress leader Nirmal Langthasa, who was the original nominee for Haflong, voluntarily stepped aside to allow Gorlosa to contest on a Congress ticket.The 'Voice of Dima Hasao': Congress leaders described her as a strong tribal voice who was "marginalized" by the current BJP leadership under Himanta Biswa Sarma.Who is Nandita Gorlosa?Political Career: First elected in 2021 from Haflong on a BJP ticket.Cabinet Portfolios: She served as the Minister for Power, Cooperation, Mines & Minerals, and Indigenous & Tribal Faith and Culture.Background: An M.Sc. in Zoology from Cotton College, she is widely respected in the Dima Hasao region for her focus on education and tribal welfare.Impact on Assam Assembly Elections 2026The Haflong seat is now set for a high-voltage battle between the former minister (now Congress) and the BJP’s new face, Rupali Langthasa. Political analysts believe this defection could trigger a "rebel factor" within the BJP's local units, potentially shifting the tribal vote bank in favor of the Congress-led alliance.
Around the web
