Party-Switching Spree in Poll-Bound Assam

Emergence of a sizable number of dissidents has made the political situation in poll-bound Assam more complex than ever before as it has left everyone in the dark about the possible impact of the rebellion on the electoral prospects of various political parties. The impact of a large-scale dissidence on the functioning of political parties active in the state is already visible as they are spending more time to keep their houses in order, than on strategies to defeat their opponents. Senior party leaders are now busy quelling dissident activities rather than focusing on wooing the electorate. Although some observers are of the opinion that such developments are common in poll-bound states, the fact remains that dissident activities of this magnitude was unexpected. Political parties have been forced to rethink about their plans and programmes. Even the psephologists are now working overtime to make changes to their earlier calculations about the possible outcome of the poll, sensing local support some of the rebels have.

The trend of deserting one’s party started with two senior Congress leaders, who are now contesting on BJP tickets. Initially, the development was expected to hurt the Congress most, but it took a different turn when the names of the candidates were revealed. On being denied tickets, many senior BJP leaders started quitting the party, publicly venting their anger against the leadership. Several senior leaders, both from Dispur and Delhi rushed to pacify them but it was mostly unsuccessful. As a matter of fact, a minister of the incumbent government has left the party, turning down the Chief Minister’s request after being denied ticket and joined the electoral fray as a Congress candidate. Now, it seems all the floodgates have been opened and it has become really difficult to keep a track of who is going where.

Notwithstanding the unexpected development, the BJP is still confident of maintaining its winning streak for the third consecutive time in Assam. According to the party leadership, the demand for party tickets among the people belonging to various strata of the society only indicates the chances of the party winning the poll. Furthermore, it stressed that the party has grown manifold during the last couple of decades, which has thrown up more ticket aspirants than ever before. But what the BJP leaders cannot deny is that fact that unprecedented rebellion over ticket distribution has provided a fresh ray of hope to the opposition to upset the saffron juggernaut, especially in upper Assam. Three important Ahom leaders belonging to three different political parties have quickly finalised seat-sharing deals by burying their differences. However, the opposition alliance is also experiencing internal strife, as many of its leaders are reportedly planning to run as rebel candidates in the upcoming election. This time, the rebel candidates may decide the poll outcome in Assam.