All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) president Badruddin Ajmal has launched a strong attack on the Indian National Congress, alleging that the party was indirectly helping the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) remain in power in Assam.Speaking to reporters, Ajmal said his party’s main aim was to remove the BJP government from the state. However, he claimed that the Congress was weakening the opposition by failing to effectively challenge the ruling party.“Our goal is to remove the BJP from power, but the Congress is helping them come back to power again,” Ajmal said.The AIUDF chief further alleged that several Congress legislators had already shifted their allegiance to the BJP in the past few years. According to him, eight Congress MLAs have joined the BJP so far, which he said reflected the internal problems within the Congress.
“Eight Congress MLAs have joined the BJP so far. Congress is the A team of the BJP,” Ajmal alleged while criticising the party’s role in state politics.His remarks come at a time when political activity has started to intensify in Assam ahead of the next Assembly elections. Political parties in the state have begun preparations and are sharpening their attacks against rivals as the election season approaches.Meanwhile, the AIUDF has also taken its first step towards the upcoming polls by announcing its initial list of candidates. The party released the first list on March 9, naming candidates for nine Assembly constituencies across Assam.Among those announced, Aminul Islam will contest from Rupahihat while Rafiqul Islam has been nominated from Manida. Minakshi Rahman has been fielded from Paka Betbari and Abu Taber Bepari will contest from Parbatjhora.
The party has also named Nizanur Rahman for the Gauripur seat and Rejaul Karim Sarkar for Srijangram. Matiur Rahman will contest from Dhing, Sabana Aktar from Bilasipara and Siddique Ahmed from Laharighat. With the announcement of the first list, the AIUDF has formally begun its preparations for the Assembly elections in Assam. Party leaders said more candidates are expected to be announced in the coming days as the election process gathers pace in the state.