Rebel BJP leader Jayanta Kumar Das on March 23 filed his nomination as an Independent candidate from the Dispur Assembly constituency, adding a new dimension to the election battle in Guwahati.
Das arrived at the Kamrup (Metro) District Commissioner’s office with caution, stating that he deliberately maintained a low profile due to concerns that he might be prevented from filing his nomination.
Rebel BJP leader Jayanta Kumar Das has filed his nomination as an Independent candidate from Dispur in Guwahati. He said he took precautions while arriving at the DC office due to concerns of being stopped, making the Dispur contest more competitive ahead of the Assam elections.
“Kept a Low Profile”: Das on Filing Nomination
Speaking to reporters, Das said he was cautious while filing his nomination.
He stated that he feared:
- Being stopped from entering the nomination venue
- Facing potential legal hurdles before filing
- Missing the deadline due to delays
Despite these concerns, he successfully completed the nomination process.
Political Shift and New Plans
Das also indicated plans to form a new political outfit, tentatively naming it “Trinamool Congress.” However, he added that his association with the BJP remains deeply ingrained after decades of political work.
His exit from the Bharatiya Janata Party came after the party denied him a ticket from Dispur, instead nominating Pradyut Bordoloi, who recently switched from the Indian National Congress.
Dispur Contest Gets More Competitive
The Dispur constituency now sees a multi-cornered contest involving:
- BJP candidate Pradyut Bordoloi
- Congress candidate Mira Borthakur
- Independent candidate Jayanta Das
Das remarked that this is the first time a constituency would effectively see “two Congress candidates,” referring to Bordoloi’s recent shift and the official Congress nominee.
Wider Political Context in Guwahati
The development comes amid heightened political activity in Guwahati. While Das has entered the fray as an Independent, the BJP has managed to stabilise internal dissent after sitting MLA Atul Bora stepped back from contesting independently.
Dispur, being the administrative centre of Assam, remains one of the most closely watched constituencies in the state.
What Happens Next
With nominations now filed, campaigning is expected to intensify in Guwahati, particularly in Dispur.
Das’s entry as an Independent candidate could influence vote distribution, making the contest more competitive in the constituency ahead of polling on April 9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. From which constituency is Jayanta Das contesting?
He is contesting as an Independent candidate from the Dispur constituency in Guwahati.
Q2. Why did he leave the BJP?
He left after being denied a party ticket from Dispur.
Q3. Who are the main candidates in Dispur?
Pradyut Bordoloi (BJP), Mira Borthakur (Congress), and Jayanta Das (Independent).