Nandita Gorlosa Joins Congress: A Political Shift in Assam
“We are very happy to announce that Nandita Gorlosa has joined the Congress party,”
Nandita Gorlosa, a sitting MLA from the Haflong (ST) constituency, was previously elected in 2021 on a BJP ticket and served as a minister handling key portfolios such as mines and minerals and tribal faith and culture. Her departure from the BJP comes after she was denied a ticket for the upcoming elections, with the party instead nominating Rupali Langthasa for the Haflong seat.
On March 23, 2026, Gorlosa made headlines by joining Congress, which promptly replaced its initial candidate, Nirmal Langthasa, to accommodate her as the party’s nominee for Haflong. This strategic move is seen as an attempt to leverage Gorlosa’s established support base among tribal communities in her constituency.
The Assam Assembly elections are scheduled for April 9, 2026, with votes to be counted on May 4. Gorlosa’s defection occurred just before the nomination deadline, highlighting the urgency and significance of her switch.
Himanta Biswa Sarma, a prominent BJP leader, commented on the situation, stating, “I had spoken to her and she seemed satisfied.” This suggests that Gorlosa’s departure may have been anticipated within the BJP ranks, although the party’s decision to nominate Langthasa over her has raised eyebrows.
As the political landscape in Assam shifts with Gorlosa’s move, the implications for both the Congress and BJP remain to be seen. The Congress’s decision to embrace Gorlosa could bolster its appeal among tribal voters, a demographic that has been crucial in previous elections.
With the elections fast approaching, all eyes will be on Haflong as Gorlosa seeks to reclaim her political standing under the Congress banner. The dynamics of this constituency could very well influence the overall outcomes in the upcoming assembly elections.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the internal reactions within the BJP following Gorlosa’s switch, but her political journey will undoubtedly be a focal point in the lead-up to the elections.
