Now a major political storm has hit the hills of Dima Hasao. Assam Cabinet Minister Nandita Gorlosa officially joined the Congress late Sunday night. This move comes just hours before the final deadline for filing nominations. Specifically, the sitting Haflong MLA was denied a ticket by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Therefore, she decided to switch sides to secure her political future.
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At a Glance:
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The Switch: Nandita Gorlosa (BJP) to Indian National Congress (INC).
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The Seat: Haflong (ST) Constituency.
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The Trigger: BJP fielded Rupali Langthasa instead of the sitting MLA.
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Election Date: April 9, 2026 (Single Phase).
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Nomination Deadline: Monday, March 23, 2026.
Table of Contents:
The Late-Night Induction in Guwahati
Now the transition happened in a swift, high-stakes meeting. Nandita Gorlosa joined the Congress in the presence of senior leaders. Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) general secretary Nirmal Langthasa welcomed her into the fold. So the party immediately moved to finalize her paperwork.
Next, the Congress issued a formal statement. They expressed great happiness over her induction. Furthermore, they highlighted her role as a strong voice for the Dima Hasao region. Thus, Gorlosa will now challenge her former party on April 9.
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Why the BJP Dropped a Sitting Minister
Now the BJP’s decision to drop Gorlosa surprised many. She was a key cabinet member handling mines, minerals, and tribal faith. However, the party chose Rupali Langthasa for the Haflong seat. This was part of a broader strategy to introduce fresh faces.
So the Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, personally tried to manage the fallout. He visited Dima Hasao on Sunday to meet local leaders. But reports suggest Gorlosa did not attend those meetings. Instead, she was already negotiating her move to the opposition.
Congress Reshuffles Haflong Candidate List
Now the Congress had to make its own sacrifices. Previously, the party named Nirmal Langthasa as its candidate. But Langthasa proactively volunteered to vacate his seat. He claimed this move was in the “larger public interest.”
So Gorlosa is now the official Congress face for Haflong. This last-minute swap strengthens the Congress’s grip on the tribal vote. Meanwhile, the party is busy completing the final formalities. They must submit the nomination papers before the clock runs out on Monday.
Himanta Biswa Sarma’s Reaction to the Exit
Today the Chief Minister appeared caught off guard. Initially, he told reporters that Gorlosa was not quitting. He claimed she seemed satisfied after their last talk. But he later revised his statement once the news broke.
“I don’t know why she is joining that party,” Sarma remarked. He noted that the Congress had already announced a candidate earlier. Still, he remains confident in the BJP’s overall performance. But losing a sitting cabinet minister is a clear blow to the party’s local image.
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The Rebellion Beyond Haflong
Now Gorlosa is not the only “rebel” making waves. In the Barak Valley, the BJP dropped three other sitting MLAs. For example, Nihar Ranjan Das resigned but later agreed to support the party. However, former MLA Amar Chand Jain has followed Gorlosa’s lead.
So Jain has also joined the Congress. He will contest from the Katigorah seat. Meanwhile, the BJP fielded former Congress leader Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha there. Therefore, the 2026 Assam polls are turning into a massive game of musical chairs.
Common Questions Answered
Who is Nandita Gorlosa? She is a sitting MLA and former Minister in the Assam Cabinet who recently defected from the BJP to the Congress.
Why did she leave the BJP? She was denied a ticket to contest the 2026 Assembly elections from the Haflong seat.
When is the voting for Assam Assembly 2026? The entire state will vote in a single phase on April 9, 2026.
Who is the BJP candidate from Haflong? The BJP has fielded Rupali Langthasa for the Haflong (ST) seat.
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