Dholai By-Elections: Congress Holds Massive Rally in Dholai, Criticises BJP Government’s Development Efforts

Congress held a large election rally in Dholai, with AICC General Secretary Bhanwar Jitendra Singh leading the campaign for Congress candidate Dhrubajyoti Purkayastha. The event, held at Dholai’s Dormi Field, saw a significant turnout, as Singh promoted Purkayastha’s candidature, positioning him as the “local choice” over BJP candidate Nihar Ranjan Das, who he labelled an outsider.

Jitendra Singh emphasised the importance of choosing a local candidate who understands the region’s unique struggles. He stated that the BJP government had failed to bring development to Dholai and Barak Valley at large, lacking even basic improvements in facilities or employment generation. He expressed confidence that Congress would secure a majority in the upcoming by-elections, predicting victory in all five seats being contested across Assam.

Singh pointed to Congress’s strong support for Dholai, stating that AICC leaders Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and others had expressed interest in attending but were unable to do so due to elections taking place nationwide. He assured the crowd that he prioritised Dholai, making it his first stop among the by-election constituencies.

The rally saw the participation of several senior Congress leaders, including AICC Secretary Prithviraj Sathe, APPC President Bhupen Bora, and party MLAs Nandita Das, Khalil Uddin Mazumdar, and Misbahul Islam Laskar. Their presence emphasised the party’s commitment to winning the Dholai seat and addressing the grievances of its people.

In his address, Bhupen Bora sharply criticised the BJP and Assam’s Chief Minister, alleging that the ruling party had done little to improve Dholai’s infrastructure or public services. He referenced BJP leader Amiyakanti Das’s comments labelling the BJP candidate “Bangladeshi,” urging voters to hold the government accountable.

Singh led the crowd in pledging their support to Dhrubajyoti Purkayastha, whom he described as “Dholai’s own son.” Purkayastha himself addressed the gathering, asking for the community’s blessings in the by-election and promising to prioritise the area’s development. He assured residents that, as a local, he understood their needs and would work to fulfil their aspirations if elected.

Looking ahead, tomorrow, on 5 November, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is scheduled to campaign in Dholai for BJP candidate Nihar Ranjan Das. This visit is expected to intensify the political landscape in the region, with both parties actively vying for voter support in the final days before the polls.

The Congress leaders also conveyed Rahul Gandhi’s concern over the lack of progress in Barak Valley, stating that the party is committed to addressing this. Singh’s comments ignited enthusiasm among attendees, who were urged to vote for Congress as the choice for a better future for Dholai.