Contest for Haflong (ST) seat heats up as BJP, Cong brace for 3-way battle

Silchar: With the 2026 Assam assembly elections drawing closer, political activity in the Haflong (ST) constituency — a key tribal-reserved segment under the Autonomous District Lok Sabha seat — has begun to intensify, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest between BJP and Congress.Reserved for scheduled tribes, Haflong has historically oscillated between the two national parties. In the 2021 assembly elections, BJP candidate Nandita Garlosa secured a comfortable victory, underlining the party’s expanding footprint in the hill districts. However, Congress continues to claim deep-rooted organisational and emotional ties with tribal communities, making Haflong one of the most closely watched seats ahead of 2026.Political observers point to emerging local realignments that could influence the electoral arithmetic. Adding another dimension to the contest is political entrepreneur Daniel Langthasa, who has floated the People’s Party on a tribal rights plank and announced plans to contest from Haflong. His entry is being closely tracked as a possible third-front influence, particularly among younger tribal voters disillusioned with traditional parties.Both major parties have already stepped up their ground game. BJP has rolled out wall-painting and visibility drives across Dima Hasao and adjoining districts as part of its statewide mobilisation for the 2026 polls. On the other hand, Congress leadership in Assam has sharpened its attacks on BJP at the state level, accusing it of divisive politics and seeking to consolidate anti-incumbency sentiment by pitching themes of unity and harmony.Amid the political mobilisation, concerns over electoral integrity have resurfaced. Civil society groups and citizen bodies in Haflong have submitted a petition to the district administration, seeking installation of CCTV cameras at sensitive polling stations and enhanced security deployment, citing instances of proxy voting and voter intimidation in past elections.The race for party tickets is also gathering momentum. Senior Congress leaders Nirmal Langthasa and Mayanon Kemprai have submitted their applications for the party ticket ahead of the assembly elections. Within the Congress, internal sources speak of a keen contest among at least two senior leaders for the Haflong nomination, with local units holding consultations to finalise a candidate who can balance tribal representation with electoral appeal. In BJP’s camp, while incumbency remains an advantage, the sudden demise of former MLA Bir Bhadra Hagjer in Jan 2026 has prompted a recalibration of leadership options, with several names from district leadership and the party’s tribal wings doing the rounds.As the Election Commission is expected to announce the poll schedule in the coming months, Haflong’s political landscape appears primed for a spirited battle. Candidate selections, possible alliances and intensified campaigning in the weeks ahead are likely to determine the contours of the contest in one of Assam’s most keenly observed constituencies.