Political Shake-up: Jayanta Bora's Candidacy Splits Assam's Opposition

The Congress party's decision to field former BJP leader Jayanta Bora for the Behali seat in Assam's by-election has fractured the state's opposition unity. Bora's nomination caused a split within the Asom Sonmilito Morcha (ASOM) coalition, leading to a reshuffling of alliances prior to the bypolls.

In a significant political development, the Congress has nominated former BJP leader Jayanta Bora as its candidate for the Behali by-election in Assam. This move has led to a split within the state's opposition alliance, Asom Sonmilito Morcha (ASOM), with the Congress now excluded from the coalition.

Bora, who recently resigned from the BJP after being denied a party ticket, officially joined the Congress at Tezpur shortly after the announcement of his candidacy. The decision was confirmed by AICC general secretary KC Venugopal, despite initial agreements within ASOM that reserved the Behali seat for another opposition party.

Amid internal strife, state Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah justified backing Bora's candidacy, emphasizing the need for strong representation over opposition unity. This political maneuvering comes as the state prepares for bypolls on November 13, with the outcome potentially redefining Assam's political landscape.

(With inputs from agencies.)