Guwahati : The release of the candidate list by the Bharatiya Janata Party for the April 9 Assam Assembly elections has sparked resignations and dissent within the party, with several leaders alleging sidelining of loyal workers in favour of new entrants.

The first fallout was reported from Dholai, where sitting MLA Nihar Ranjan Das resigned from the party’s primary membership shortly after being denied a ticket.

In his resignation letter addressed to the party’s state leadership, Das said he had served the party with “honest and sincere” commitment and worked to strengthen its base in the constituency, but his contributions had “not been recognised”.

The discontent extended beyond Dholai. Senior BJP leader Jayanta Kumar Das, who was seeking a ticket from Dispur, indicated he may quit the party after the seat was allotted to Pradyut Bordoloi, a recent entrant from the Congress.

Criticising the leadership, Das alleged that long-time party workers were being overlooked in favour of leaders who had recently joined from other parties. He also questioned the criteria used for candidate selection, particularly internal surveys.

In a pointed remark aimed at Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, he asked why senior leaders were not making way for newcomers in constituencies such as Jalukbari.

Das further alleged the existence of a “political syndicate” influencing decisions and announced plans to float a new political outfit comprising “deprived and denied candidates” from across the state. He said consultations would begin soon and that he intends to file his nomination on March 23.

Meanwhile, six-time MLA from Dispur Atul Bora also expressed dissatisfaction, alleging betrayal and questioning the party’s selection process. He cited his long association with the constituency and past electoral victories as reasons for expecting renomination.

Separately, the United People’s Party Liberal, a former ally of the BJP, also saw a resignation, with Barama MLA Bhupen Boro stepping down from the party’s primary membership.

In his letter, Boro said he was unable to continue discharging his responsibilities effectively. Political sources indicated he may join the Bodoland People’s Front in the coming days.

The developments highlight growing churn within political parties in Assam ahead of the high-stakes Assembly elections, with ticket distribution once again emerging as a major flashpoint.