Alleged Cross-Voting and BJP Proximity in Assam: Letter Raises Red Flag Before Ticket Finalisation

GUWAHATI: An explosive letter addressed to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has triggered political ripples in Assam, with Congress workers from Laharighat accusing two party aspirants — including a sitting MLA — of allegedly working in favour of the BJP.

The complaint, submitted to Gandhi in her capacity as Chairperson of the Screening Committee for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, raises serious allegations against sitting MLA Dr. Ashif Md. Nazar and another aspirant, Dr. Foridul Hussain. The signatories, identifying themselves as prominent citizens of the 53 Laharighat Legislative Assembly Constituency (LAC), have urged the party leadership to examine the matter with urgency before finalising candidates.

According to the letter, Dr. Nazar has allegedly been “working in favour of the BJP” over the past five years. The complainants claim that he maintains close political proximity with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and state minister Pijush Hazarika.

Among the most serious charges is the allegation that Nazar cast his vote in favour of BJP candidates during the recent Rajya Sabha and Presidential elections. He is also accused of coordinating politically with local BJP leadership within the constituency.

The letter further alleges that during the last Panchayat elections, Nazar actively campaigned against official Congress candidates in Laharighat, creating difficulties for the party’s Zilla Parishad nominees. It also references an earlier show-cause notice reportedly issued by the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) after Nazar publicly praised the BJP-led state government’s work culture and development initiatives at a time when the Chief Minister had criticised senior Congress leaders.

The complaint similarly targets Dr. Foridul Hussain, describing him as relatively new to the Congress. The signatories allege that in the previous Assembly election, Hussain extended active support — including financial assistance — to an Independent candidate. Additionally, during the last Lok Sabha polls, he allegedly campaigned in favour of a BJP nominee.

The letter also points to Hussain’s reported close personal association with Assam Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Dr. Numal Momin, suggesting political proximity beyond the Congress fold.

In their concluding appeal, the complainants have requested Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to take “appropriate steps in the greater interest” of the party and to prevent any move that could weaken the Congress’ prospects in Laharighat.

There has been no immediate response from Dr. Nazar, Dr. Hussain, or the state Congress leadership regarding the allegations. The development is expected to intensify internal discussions within the party as the screening process for the Assam Assembly elections gathers pace.

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