Assam: Congress gears up for RHAC polls, announces candidates for 34 seats

With the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council elections approaching, the political climate in the region has intensified, with various parties actively preparing for the electoral battle.

 

The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) conducted an election workers' meeting at Janmandir Auditorium in Dudhnoi, underscoring the party's commitment to reclaiming political ground in the region. The meeting was presided over by Pranoy Rabha, President of the Congress Committee for the Rabha Hasong elections and a former minister. Dudhnoi MLA Jadav Swargiary delivered the welcome address, setting the tone for the discussions.

 

During the meeting, Chaygaon MLA Rekibuddin Ahmed targeted Tongkeshwar Rabha, accusing him of exploiting the Rabha Hasong region. He further alleged that Rabha’s identity as a member of the Rabha community is under legal scrutiny.

 

Echoing similar sentiments, Goalpara East MLA A.K. Rasheed Alam recalled a time when conducting a Congress meeting in Dudhnoi was deemed impossible due to the influence of Tongkeshwar Rabha’s forces. However, he stated that public opposition against Rabha is now gaining momentum. Alam also accused him of extorting money from businesses along the Goalpara-Boko National Highway, asserting that his political decline is inevitable.

 

Assam Pradesh Mahila Congress President Mira Barthakur also addressed the gathering, branding Tongkeshwar Rabha as a “duplicate” leader who has engaged in corruption and exploitation. She urged voters to rally against him, framing the election as a “semi-final” for the party’s larger political battle.

 

APCC President Bhupen Borah reminded attendees that the Congress government, under former Chief Minister Hiteswar Saikia, had established the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council in 1995 to enhance the educational, economic, linguistic, and cultural development of the region’s tribal communities. However, he questioned whether meaningful progress had been achieved, pointing out that only a select few individuals had benefited while the broader community remained underdeveloped. He emphasized that Congress must return to power to address the longstanding challenges faced by Rabha Hasong residents.

 

As part of its election preparations, Bhupen Borah formally handed over party tickets to candidates contesting in 34 out of the 36 council constituencies. The nominated candidates include:

 

Dhoopdhara – Meena Patgiri
Kothakuthi – Rabindra Chandra Rabha
Dhonubhanga – Parthapratim Kachari
Rangjuli – Subasini Rabha
Darongiri – Parama Rabha
North Dudhnoi – Shanti Basumatary
South Dudhnoi – Sanjib Kumar Rabha
Bandarshi – Rekstar Changma
Shalpara – Amar Chandra Rabha
Habraghat – Rakhi Changma
Dirmojakhili – Jeevan Rabha
East Ajagar – Geetika Rabha
Jinari – Sunilchon Momin
Agiya – Sonali Sutradhar
Dwaraka – Champa Bala Rabha
Bordamal-Kalyanpur – Mithu Rabha
Dadan – Chitla Rabha
Jarihat – Shovaram Rabha
Bandapara – Pranoy Kumar Khakhlari
Kholihakooth – Bhoglal Rabha
Luki – Rambahawati Rabha
Hahim – Hareshwar Boro
Jongakhuli – Ranjan Rabha
Boko – Thaneshwar Rabha
North Bongaon – Durgeshwar Rabha
South Bongaon – Jimbart D. Changma
Jyotish Thakuria
Govardhan – Urai Rabha
Pantan – Manoj Rabha
Kulsi – Pradip Rabha
Chandubi – Uma Kanta Rabha
Shilpota – Rajen Rabha
Rani – Bandana Boro