Before the Assam Assembly elections, BJP has fielded Rupali Langthasa from Haflong in place of Nandita Gorlosa who joined Congress.

Guwahati: In a significant political shift ahead of the Assam assembly elections, the BJP has fielded Rupali Langthasa from the Haflong seat, replacing sitting MLA and former minister Nandita Gorlosa, who has since joined the Congress.Rupali Langthasa is relatively new to mainstream electoral politics, but has been making a steady presence in local administration. He is currently serving as the Executive Member in-charge of Higher Education in North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC), a major administrative body in Dima Hasao district of Assam.Grassroots entry through council electionsLangthasa started his political journey through the council elections, where he won from Diungabra constituency on a BJP ticket. His rise within the party structure has been marked by growing influence at the grassroots level, especially in the hill districts.Political observers said Gorlosa’s exclusion reflected deep-rooted internal rifts, particularly his alleged differences with North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) chief executive member Debolal Gorlosa. Sources said the rivalry had been going on for years and had created glaring faults within the district unit.BJP’s strategic moveThe BJP’s decision to replace the sitting minister with a candidate contesting assembly elections for the first time is being seen as a calculated move by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Analysts say the party is trying to balance internal factions and manage dissent by bringing in new faces instead of giving preference to established leaders.Political consequences and changesAfter being denied the ticket, Nandita Gorlosa left the BJP and joined the Congress, marking a dramatic turn in the Haflong contest. Meanwhile, the BJP leadership has backed Langthasa as a new face capable of consolidating support in the region.