Guwahati: Assam Cabinet Minister Nandita Gorlosa on Monday filed her nomination from the Haflong Assembly constituency as a Congress candidate, a day after switching sides following denial of a BJP ticket.
Gorlosa, who represented Haflong in the outgoing Assembly, joined the Congress on Sunday evening after the BJP fielded debutant Rupali Langthasa from the seat. Her exit comes despite reported efforts by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to persuade her to remain in the party.
The Congress, which had earlier named its state general secretary Nirmal Langthasa as its candidate from Haflong, withdrew his candidature in her favour. The party said the decision was taken in the “greater public interest”.
Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Gaurav Gogoi said Gorlosa’s exclusion from the BJP was linked to her stand on local issues. “The BJP should not have sidelined Nandita Gorlosa. She has been vocal about issues in Dima Hasao, including land transfers to big corporates without consulting tribal communities. That is why she was denied a ticket,” he said.
“We do not want tribal leaders who speak for big corporates. We welcome those who stand for tribal rights and constitutional protections,” Gogoi added.
Reacting to the development, Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu described Gorlosa’s move as a personal decision, while underlining party discipline. “It is her personal decision, as the party cannot provide tickets to all. Only one person can be nominated from a constituency. Party members should remain loyal and prioritise the party over individual interests,” he said.
In a statement, the Congress welcomed Garlosa into its fold, highlighting her role in the hill district. “We are happy to announce that Nandita Gorlosa has joined the Congress. She has been the voice of Dima Hasao for the last five years and has always stood by her beliefs and principles,” the party said.