Assam: After Nandita Garlosa’s exit, BJP faces fresh blow as leaders, workers join NPP in Dima Hasao

In a major political jolt to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam’s hill district of Dima Hasao, several senior leaders and dozens of party workers resigned and joined the National People’s Party (NPP) on Monday, March 23, just a day after senior BJP leader Nandita Garlosa quit the party to join the Congress. 

Leaders who resigned from the BJP alleged a prolonged “neglectful attitude” from the party leadership, despite their years of commitment and groundwork in strengthening the party in the hills. They claimed that grassroots contributions were repeatedly overlooked, leading to growing frustration among loyal workers and functionaries.

Prominent among those who joined the NPP are former BJP district president and ex-member of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council, Golonjo Thaosen; former council member Rahul Naiding; former Deputy Chairman of the Autonomous Council and ex-BJP general secretary Him Bahadur Chettri; former district BJP vice-president Anup Langthasa; former Digor Mandal BJP president Joybesh Phonglo; and Panjit Kemprai. They were joined by 38 BJP workers, in what is being seen as a substantial organisational setback for the party in the district.

The induction programme took place in the presence of NPP candidate for the 113 Haflong (ST) constituency, Daniel Langthasa, along with party leaders and supporters. Addressing the media, the defecting leaders cited internal conflicts within the BJP as a key reason behind their decision to switch sides.

They further levelled serious allegations against the BJP government, claiming that there were attempts to dispossess indigenous tribal communities of their land in Dima Hasao and to dilute the powers of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council under the Sixth Schedule. Stressing the need for “strong and decisive leadership,” they expressed confidence in Daniel Langthasa and said their move was aimed at dislodging the BJP from power in the district.

Clarifying their stance, the leaders asserted that their decision was not driven by emotion but by “long-standing dissatisfaction and lack of recognition” within the party structure.

The large-scale defection, witnessed by a significant turnout of party workers and supporters, is being viewed as a turning point in Dima Hasao’s political dynamics. The influx of experienced leaders into the NPP is expected to bolster its prospects while intensifying the electoral contest in the hill district.