Borkhola nomination of Cong raises eyebrows

Silchar: Congress’s announcement of candidates for eight of Barak Valley’s 13 assembly constituencies has drawn mixed reactions across Cachar, Sribhumi and Hailakandi districts, with the sharpest response emerging in Borkhola.Late Tuesday night, the All India Congress Committee released its first list of 42 candidates for the upcoming state assembly election, including nominees for eight seats in the valley.In Borkhola, the party nominated Silchar-based physician Dr Amit Kumar Kalwar, replacing sitting MLA and former minister Misbahul Islam Laskar. Kalwar joined the Congress last year, and the decision has fuelled discussion in local political circles.The development was followed by Congress worker and former Zila Parishad member Zahirul Islam Borbhuiya alias Jewel announcing he will contest as an independent after being denied the party ticket, intensifying political debate in the constituency. Analysts said an independent candidate emerging from within the Congress ranks could split support bases and tighten the contest.The recent delimitation has reduced Barak Valley’s assembly constituencies from 15 to 13, a shift expected to reshape political dynamics.