Assam: Over 100 BJP workers defect to Congress in Dima Hasao’s Kalachand

Political dynamics in Assam’s hill district of Dima Hasao are shifting ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, with growing resentment against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). On Sunday, September 14 more than a hundred BJP supporters and workers from the Old Dihanding polling station under the Kalachand constituency of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) formally joined the Congress.

The joining event was held in the presence of Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) General Secretary Nirmal Langthasa, alongside district-level Congress leaders and workers.

According to Langthasa, the mass resignation reflected widespread anger among the indigenous population against BJP’s policies, particularly the alleged curtailment of the Sixth Schedule powers of the NCHAC. Local grievances also center around accusations that land belonging to indigenous residents has been handed over to outsider traders under the BJP’s tenure.

“The people themselves organized this joining. It shows that voters are frustrated with the BJP’s functioning,” Langthasa remarked. He added that this development signaled positive momentum for the Congress in the run-up to 2026, with many young leaders increasingly viewing the Congress as a viable alternative.

He also emphasized the demographic factor, noting that the 18–45 age group constitutes a large share of Dima Hasao’s electorate. Old Dihanding, once considered a BJP bastion, had previously supported BJP and its backed independent candidates in the 2024 NCHAC polls. However, disenchantment with the ruling party’s performance has prompted these voters to switch allegiance.

Langthasa recalled that Congress was once a dominant force in the district, particularly among the Dimasa community, before BJP captured power. He claimed that the tide is now turning, with a majority of Dimasa voters once again extending support to the Congress.