Guwahati: In a dramatic turn of events just ahead of the Assam Assembly elections, state minister Nandita Garlosa switched sides on Sunday joining the Indian National Congress after being denied a ticket by the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Her move, coming just a day before the nomination deadline has stirred political conversations across the hill district. Garlosa is now expected to contest from Haflong in Dima Hasao district — a seat she represented in the outgoing Assembly.
What adds to the intrigue is the Congress’ last-minute reshuffle. The party had already named its state general secretary Nirmal Langthasa as its candidate from Haflong. But in a surprising gesture, he stepped aside to make way for Garlosa, with the party calling it a decision taken in the “greater public interest.”
Welcoming her into the fold, Congress leaders praised Garlosa’s work over the past five years describing her as a consistent voice for the people of Dima Hasao. At the same time they took aim at the BJP, suggesting she had been sidelined within the party and forced out. They also accused the state government of putting corporate priorities ahead of sensitive tribal land issues.
Garlosa’s exit from the BJP comes after the party replaced her with first-time candidate Rupali Langthasa for the upcoming polls.
Photos released by the Assam Congress showed a smiling Garlosa formally joining the party in Haflong, surrounded by local leaders a moment that may well reshape the contest in this key hill constituency.
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