Assam Political Landscape Sees Dramatic Shift as Sherman Ali Ahmed Joins TMC
The opposition camp in Assam witnessed significant upheaval on Sunday when Sherman Ali Ahmed, who was nearly finalized as the candidate for the minority-dominated Mandia constituency in Barpeta district by Congress ally Raijor Dal, emerged as a Trinamool Congress candidate. This development occurred even before Sherman formally resigned from his previous political affiliations, creating ripples across the state's political spectrum.
Timeline of the Political Switch
Approximately two hours before Sherman secured the TMC ticket, Raijor Dal had unveiled its final list of twelve nominees for the April 9 assembly polls, conspicuously omitting Sherman's name. This decision followed Congress's announcement of former Barpeta Lok Sabha MP Abdul Khaleque as its official nominee from the Mandia seat.
Raijor Dal president Akhil Gogoi explained the move was necessary to preserve opposition unity under the Congress-led alliance. Sherman Ali Ahmed had previously been suspended from the Congress party and was openly critical of Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi.
Sherman's Perspective on the Political Isolation
Sherman did not blame Akhil Gogoi for the decision, acknowledging that the Raijor Dal chief had fought "till the end" to secure his nomination. Instead, he targeted Congress functionary Debabrata Saikia, alleging that Saikia had submitted a written resignation threat if Sherman was fielded from Mandia, even in a friendly contest.
Furthermore, Sherman claimed that Lurinjyoti Gogoi of ally Assam Jatiya Parishad had also written to the alliance threatening to quit over his candidature. "I am a resident of Assam. While going to raise my voice for 34% of the people (Muslims) of the state, no political party of Assam accepted me. That's why, with a heavy heart, I joined TMC after Assam's own political parties isolated me," Sherman stated emotionally.
Political Journey and TMC's Strategic Move
Sherman Ali Ahmed was first elected as an AIUDF MLA in 2011 from Baghbar constituency. He later switched to Congress and secured victories in both the 2016 and 2021 assembly elections. He will now contest from Mandia on a Trinamool Congress ticket.
TMC sources revealed that the party aims to expand its base in the minority-dominated belt of lower Assam by supporting Sherman's candidature. This strategic move comes as TMC announced candidates for seven additional seats on Sunday, bringing their total to twenty-six candidates for the Assam assembly polls.
Reactions and Counter-Reactions
Sherman expressed gratitude to TMC supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee along with senior party leaders for granting him a ticket within just two hours of his communication with the party leadership. "Just five minutes after I took electronic membership of TMC, the party bestowed so much faith on me and gave me a ticket. I am grateful to TMC," Sherman remarked.
Congress nominee Abdul Khaleque responded sharply, accusing Sherman of lacking loyalty to any political party. "AIUDF made him MLA but suspended him. Congress made him MLA but again suspended him. Raijor Dal did not even nominate him. Sherman has done such works which can help BJP," Khaleque alleged, adding that Sherman had long opposed Congress ideology and communal harmony.
The political maneuvering highlights the fragile nature of opposition alliances in Assam as parties position themselves strategically ahead of the crucial assembly elections. With Sherman's switch to TMC, the electoral dynamics in Mandia and surrounding minority-dominated constituencies are expected to witness intense competition and realignment of voter loyalties.
