Sonakshi Sarkar

In a significant political shift, former president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), Bhupen Kumar Borah, will join the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on February 22, ahead of the Assam Assembly elections. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made the announcement following a meeting with Borah at his residence, which occurred shortly after Borah resigned from the Congress, a party he had been with for 32 years. Despite attempts by Congress leadership to persuade him to reconsider his resignation, Borah ultimately sought time to evaluate his position. Sarma expressed his delight over Borah's decision, noting that BJP state…

On Tuesday, the Assam Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, approved a notable increase in reservation for the tea tribe community, a significant voter demographic, ahead of the forthcoming Assembly elections. The Cabinet agreed to allocate 3 percent reservation for the tea tribes and Adivasi community in Class I and Class II State Government positions, augmenting the existing provisions for Class III and Class IV roles. This decision is interpreted as a strategic move by the BJP-led government to attract the votes of these communities. Additionally, the Cabinet authorized the Public Works Department (PWD) to initiate the construction…

Majority of the recognized national and state political parties in Assam have requested the Election Commission of India (ECI) to conduct the upcoming state Assembly elections in either a single phase or a maximum of two phases. This appeal was made during a review meeting held by a visiting ECI delegation led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in Guwahati. Participating national parties included the Aam Aadmi Party, Bharatiya Janata Party, Communist Party of India (Marxist), and Indian National Congress, alongside state parties such as the All-India United Democratic Front, Asom Gana Parishad, Bodoland People's Front, and the United People's…

The Indian Army has announced an online recruitment process for unmarried male candidates to enlist as Agniveers under the Agnipath Scheme for 2027. Applications are open exclusively for individuals from specific districts in lower and western Assam, including Barpeta, Kokrajhar, and Dhubri, among others, and must be submitted by April 1, 2026. The selection recruitment process will unfold in two phases: Phase I will involve an Online Computer-Based Common Entrance Examination (CEE) held at designated venues within the state. Successful candidates from the online exam will progress to Phase II, which consists of a Recruitment Rally. Candidates interested in applying…

On February 14-15, 2026, the third Simalu Festival took place in the picturesque setting of the Brahmaputra floodplain, organized by Laokhowa and Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuaries under the esteemed Kaziranga Tiger Reserve. This vibrant event coincided with the striking bloom of simalu flowers (Bombax ceiba), transforming the landscape into a stunning display of crimson hues. Initially a local celebration of nature, the festival has evolved into a national symbol of responsible tourism, attracting adventure enthusiasts nationwide to engage with the natural world in a whisper-soft manner. A notable feature of this year's festival was Assam's inaugural "Wild Trails" 32-kilometer trail run,…

On Tuesday, the All-India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) staged a walkout from the Assam Assembly after Speaker Biswajit Daimary rejected their adjournment motion aimed at discussing Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s controversial remarks regarding the 'Miya' community, a term often viewed pejoratively for Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam. AIUDF Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Aminul Islam, presenting the motion, accused the Chief Minister of inciting violence against the Miya community through his provocative statements. He emphasized that following the Chief Minister's remarks, there had been reports of physical attacks on Miya individuals in Upper Assam, alongside the intimidation of landlords regarding…

Former Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bhupen Kumar Borah hinted at a definitive exit from the Congress party, announcing a meeting with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Following Borah's resignation on Monday, he was urged by the Congress high command to reconsider his decision. Borah recounted his long-standing relationship with Sarma, dating back to the early 1990s when they participated in inter-college debates and visited each other’s homes. Borah criticized the current structure of the APCC, insinuating that it has become more about one leader's influence rather than collective decision-making concerning leadership positions and candidate selections. He further…