Guwahati: The Congress has suffered a setback in Lahorighat ahead of the Nagaon by-election, with 11 Regional Panchayat members reportedly leaving the party and joining the BJP.
The defections come as political activity gathers momentum ahead of the by-election, with both the Congress and BJP strengthening their organisational preparations and reaching out to local workers and supporters.
The panchayat members are understood to have cited dissatisfaction with the functioning and leadership of Lahorighat MLA Dr Asif Nazar as a key reason for their decision to quit the Congress.
Following their resignation, the 11 members joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, potentially strengthening the BJP’s grassroots presence in the Lahorighat area at a crucial stage of the electoral preparations.
The development could put additional pressure on the Congress as it works to retain its organisational foothold in the constituency. For the BJP, the entry of the panchayat representatives is likely to provide a boost to its local network ahead of the by-election.
The latest political shift comes amid preparations for the Nagaon by-election, with both parties expected to intensify their organisational activities and campaign efforts in the days ahead.