Denied ticket after 12 years, former BJP leader breaks down, files as independent in Bongaigaon

An emotional scene unfolded in Assam’s Bongaigaon as a candidate broke down in tears while arriving to file his nomination papers for the upcoming Assembly elections.

The candidate, Sanjay Ray, announced before the media that he will contest from the Abhayapuri Assembly constituency as an independent candidate. 

A former state vice-president of the Bharatiya Janata Party Yuva Morcha, Ray had been an aspirant for the BJP ticket from the same constituency.

According to Ray, he had dedicated over 12 years to the Bharatiya Janata Party and was hopeful of securing the party nomination. However, in a dramatic last-minute development, AGP leader Bhupen Ray joined the BJP and was allotted the party ticket within just 12 hours.

Deeply hurt by the decision, Sanjay Ray resigned from his party responsibilities and chose to enter the fray as an independent candidate. Overcome with emotion while filing his nomination, he expressed anguish over what he described as disregard for long-term party workers in favour of recent entrants.

The incident highlights growing discontent among grassroots leaders over ticket distribution, even as political parties in Assam finalise their candidates ahead of the Assembly elections.