Garo groups protest BJP move to drop Numal Momin, demand answers from Himanta, Dilip Saikia

Strong resentment has erupted among Garo organisations following the denial of a party ticket to Bokajan MLA and Deputy Speaker Numal Momin ahead of the Assembly elections.

At a joint press meet held at Bakrapur village near Dudhnoi, organised by the Garo Development Council under the leadership of its president Arbitson J. Momin, several Garo bodies voiced deep disappointment over the decision of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

The meeting saw participation from the Garo Students’ Union, Garo Mahila Parishad, Garo Sahitya Sabha, along with other community groups, all of whom described Momin as the lone representative of the Garo community in the Assam Legislative Assembly.

Speakers highlighted Momin’s role in driving development in the Bokajan constituency and his efforts in promoting inclusive growth across communities. They emphasised that the Garo community’s consistent support to the BJP has largely been due to his leadership and grassroots connect.

Questioning the rationale behind denying him a ticket, the organisations sought answers from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and state BJP president Dilip Saikia. They argued that dropping a prominent Garo face could adversely impact the party’s support base within the community.

The meeting concluded with a strong appeal to the party leadership to reconsider its decision, stressing the need to acknowledge Momin’s contributions and ensure fair representation of the Garo community in the electoral process.