The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) released its list of 40 star campaigners for the upcoming Assam by-elections, set for November 13. The lineup features key figures such as national convener Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, and former Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia. Delhi CM Atishi and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh are also on the roster, highlighting AAP’s significant push into Assam’s political landscape. According to PTI, “The by-elections will be conducted in five key assembly constituencies—Behali, Dholai, Samaguri, Bongaigaon, and Sidli.”
The stakes are high as multiple parties vie for control across these districts. Congress has fielded Tanzil Hussain, son of Rakibul Hussain, a former Assam minister, for the Samaguri seat. Dhrubajyoti Purakayastha is running for Congress in Dholai, while “Congress has pitted former BJP leader Jayanta Borah from Behali’s seat in Assam,” a strategic move against BJP incumbents.
Meanwhile, BJP has countered with Diganta Ghatowar for Behali, Diplu Ranjan Sarma in Samaguri, and Nihar Ranjan Das in Dholai. The party’s allies, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), will contest in Bongaigaon and Sidli, respectively. AGP selected Diptimoyee Choudhury, wife of AGP’s senior MP Phani Bhushan Choudhury, for Bongaigaon, while UPPL put forward Nirmal Kumar Brahma in Sidli.
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These by-elections are anticipated to impact Assam’s political dynamics and possibly set a tone for the national elections in 2024. AAP’s strategic focus in Assam reflects a desire to expand its influence beyond its traditional base, underscoring a move towards “national relevance,” as the party looks to establish a foothold in the Northeast.