In a significant development ahead of the Assembly elections in Assam, suspended Congress MLA Sherman Ali Ahmed has joined the Raijor Dal, led by Akhil Gogoi, marking the second defection from the Congress party within two days. Ahmed, who has served as an MLA for three terms representing the Baghbor constituency, was officially welcomed into the Raijor Dal by party leaders during an event in Kalagachia, Barpeta district. Earlier in the same week, another former Congress MLA, Abdur Rashid Mandal, made a similar move to Raijor Dal.
During his address at the event, Ahmed declared his intention to seek nomination from the Mandia constituency for the upcoming Assembly elections, which are set to take place following the delimitation process. His political career has seen a series of shifts; he was first elected to the Assam Legislative Assembly in 2011 representing the All-India United Democratic Front (AIUDF). After his expulsion from the AIUDF, he joined the Indian National Congress, successfully winning the Baghbor seat in the successive 2016 and 2021 Assembly elections.
However, Ahmed’s time in the Congress was marred by controversy, resulting in his suspension in October 2021 due to alleged violations of party discipline. His political troubles were exacerbated by his previous arrest, which stemmed from provocative remarks he made concerning an eviction drive in Darrang district. This recent move to Raijor Dal could significantly impact the political landscape in Assam as the Assembly elections approach.