Overview
- Pradyut Bordoloi resigned as a Congress MP, joined the BJP, and was immediately given the Dispur ticket, replacing sitting MLA Atul Bora who was dropped.
- The BJP announced candidates for 88 constituencies, cutting 19 incumbents including a minister and fielding many leaders with Congress backgrounds.
- Former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah defected last month and has been fielded by the BJP from Bihpuria, a seat he has represented twice.
- Congress state president Gaurav Gogoi forged a five-party alliance with AJP, APHLC, CPI(M) and Raijor Dal, with Raijor Dal set to contest 11 seats and accept two friendly contests.
- Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed Bordoloi and hinted more Congress leaders could switch, while one analysis warns similar turbulence could surface in Haryana, Himachal, Odisha and Punjab after cross-voting episodes.