The issue of dynastic politics takes center stage in Assam’s by-elections as both the BJP and Congress field candidates from political families, leading to a fresh round of accusations ahead of the November 13 polls.
Guwahati:Dynastic politics has emerged as the central theme in Assam’s upcoming by-elections, fueling a fierce political debate between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led alliance and the opposition Congress. With both major parties nominating candidates from well-known political families, the stage is set for a showdown in the November 13 elections.The BJP-led coalition has nominated Diptimayee Choudhury, the wife of Barpeta Member of Parliament (MP) Phani Bhusan Choudhury, as the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) candidate for the Bongaigaon seat. In response, the Congress has fielded Tanzil Hussain, the son of Dhubri MP Rakibul Hussain, for the Samaguri seat. These nominations have reignited a debate over the dominance of political dynasties in the state, with both parties accusing each other of perpetuating family-based political systems.In addition to Bongaigaon and Samaguri, by-elections will also be held in Dholai, Sidli, and Behali constituencies. The Congress is contesting all five seats, while the BJP is fielding candidates in three. The remaining seats are divided between the AGP and the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL).Phani Bhusan Choudhury and Rakibul Hussain, both prominent political figures, had previously represented their constituencies in the state legislature before making their debut in the Lok Sabha earlier this year. Choudhury had been a key figure in Bongaigaon since 1985, while Hussain had served as Samaguri’s MLA for 23 years.During his campaign rallies, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma criticized Congress for fielding Tanzil Hussain, arguing that it represented a continuation of dynastic politics that prevents fresh, talented leaders from rising in the political sphere. “We are not just challenging Congress; we are fighting an entrenched political dynasty,” Sarma declared, accusing the opposition of perpetuating family rule in Samaguri for multiple generations.Sarma further pointed out that the Hussain family had held power in Samaguri for three generations, starting with Nurul Hussain, followed by Rakibul Hussain, and now Tanzil Hussain. He questioned whether Samaguri voters would ever see a non-family member in power in the future, implying that Tanzil’s son might inherit the political legacy.On the other hand, Congress has countered these accusations, claiming that the BJP is equally guilty of promoting dynastic politics. Opposition leader Debabrata Saikia, son of former Assam Chief Minister Hiteswar Saikia, highlighted that numerous BJP leaders, including Union ministers, come from political families, accusing the BJP of hypocrisy.Regarding the AGP’s nomination of Diptimayee Choudhury, Congress spokesperson Bedabrata Bora raised concerns over her lack of public visibility, suggesting that her candidacy could be seen as a move to maintain political control within the Choudhury family. “Had the candidate been from the younger generation, people might have had more faith in her. But Diptimayee Choudhury lacks the public presence to inspire confidence,” Bora said.As the by-elections draw closer, the debate over dynastic politics shows no signs of fading, with both parties leveraging it to challenge each other’s commitment to promoting merit-based leadership. Voters will now decide whether to support the political legacies of established families or demand a fresh wave of leadership for the state’s future.
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