Guwahati, Digital Desk: Political activities across Assam have intensified ahead of the 2026 Assam Assembly elections, with major parties gearing up for the electoral battle. The state’s main opposition party, the Congress, has already announced 65 candidates in two phases. While 42 candidates were named in the first list, another 23 candidates were announced on March 14, but several key constituencies are still awaiting candidate announcements.
One of the most significant among them is the Dhubri Assembly constituency, once considered a stronghold of the Congress party. However, the Dhubri Congress Ticket issue has now triggered a serious internal conflict within the party.
Uncomfortable Situation in Dhubri Congress
Even before the official announcement of candidates, the Dhubri Congress Ticket has become the center of a political controversy. Surprisingly, despite the party not making any official declaration, several leaders have reportedly started projecting themselves as the final candidate, raising serious questions about party discipline.
In particular, three leaders – Baby Begum, Mahmudul Hussain, and Abedur Zaman – have allegedly begun independent campaign activities, claiming themselves to be the Congress nominee. Their actions have reportedly placed the Dhubri Congress unit in an embarrassing situation in public.
Allegations of Obstructing Observers
According to a senior Congress leader who requested anonymity, these ticket aspirants have allegedly created an atmosphere of dominance in Dhubri. It has been claimed that even observers from the APCC and AICC were not allowed to freely interact with grassroots workers and local residents.
Sources also alleged that attempts were made to influence observers through various inducements to secure support for their candidature. Such actions have triggered widespread dissatisfaction among grassroots workers, further intensifying the Dhubri Congress Ticket controversy.
Rezaul Islam Emerges as a Strong Contender
Amid the ongoing dispute, Rezaul Islam (Rinku) has emerged as one of the most discussed and widely supported contenders for the Dhubri Congress Ticket.
Closely associated with the Congress ideology since his student days, Rezaul Islam began his political journey as General Secretary of NSUI at Bholanath College, Dhubri. Even before the year 2000, he had served as State General Secretary of the student organization, strengthening the party’s organizational network.
Over the years, he has remained actively involved in strengthening the Congress base in Dhubri district. Despite several leaders leaving the party to join other political formations, Rezaul Islam has continued to remain loyal to the Congress.
Notably, while serving as a Zila Parishad member from Madhushoulmari and Tiamari, he had defeated an AIUDF candidate with a significant margin, demonstrating his grassroots organizational strength.
Grassroots Workers Demand Rezaul Islam
A senior grassroots Congress worker expressed frustration, stating that Dhubri had historically been a Congress stronghold but poor candidate selection had weakened the party in recent elections.
According to him, more than 75 percent of voters in the constituency prefer Rezaul Islam as the candidate this time.
Political observers also believe that with strong connections across 18 village panchayats and a deep grassroots network, Rezaul Islam could help revive Congress’s prospects in Dhubri.
All Eyes on High Command
The ongoing confusion and factionalism surrounding the Dhubri Congress Ticket have now posed a major challenge for the party leadership.
Political analysts believe that if the Congress high command selects a candidate like Rezaul Islam, who has strong grassroots connections and long organizational experience, it could mark a new chapter for the party in the Dhubri constituency.
For now, all eyes remain on the final decision of the party high command.
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