Congress Makes Historic Move in Dhubri with First Woman Candidate
In a significant departure from tradition, the Congress party has nominated Baby Begum as its candidate from the Dhubri constituency in Assam. This marks the first time since India's Independence that a woman candidate will represent the party from this seat.
Baby Begum's Political Background and Confidence
Baby Begum, who is in her 40s and holds a BA degree, currently serves as a councillor in the Dhubri Zila Parishad, where she has completed two terms. She has been actively involved in the party's women's wings for several decades, holding various positions over the years.
Speaking about her nomination, Begum expressed both pride and confidence. "Being the first woman candidate from Dhubri fills me with pride," she stated. "Having served two terms as Zila Parishad councillor, I understand the pulse of both men and women in the constituency, and support for me is strong."
Regarding the electoral challenge, Begum was optimistic about reclaiming the seat that Congress lost to the AIUDF in 2006 and has not regained since. "This time, the game will be different. We will take back the seat from AIUDF after 20 years of the party's lean phase," she asserted.
Internal Party Dynamics and Historical Context
The announcement by the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) on Thursday created ripples within the party. District workers engaged in heated exchanges, with clips of opposition leader Debabrata Saikia confronting some workers going viral on social media platforms.
Historically, Dhubri has been a Congress stronghold since 1950. The party managed to retain the seat even during the rise of the AGP in 1985. However, the political landscape shifted when BJP's Dhruba Kumar Sen won in 1991. Congress regained the seat in 1996 and 2001, but faced setbacks from 2006 onward with the emergence of the AIUDF as a formidable force.
AGP's Countermove in Dhubri District
Meanwhile, the AGP has made its own strategic nomination in the region. Jibesh Ray, chairperson of the Kamtapur Autonomous Council, has been selected as the party's candidate from Bilasipara LAC in Dhubri district. Ray received an enthusiastic reception from party workers at Bahalpur Chapor and Bilasipara, indicating strong grassroots support.
This development sets the stage for an intriguing electoral battle in Dhubri, with Congress attempting to break new ground with its historic woman candidate while facing competition from established regional parties.
