13 BJP MLAs withdraw from Assam Olympic Association elections

Dibrugarh: In a significant development, 13 BJP MLAs will not participate in the Assam Olympic Association elections scheduled for September 22 at DDSA Stadium in Dibrugarh.

The annual general meeting will take place at Jalan Outdoor Stadium, where elections for several key positions within the association will be held. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has been elected unopposed as president.

Despite the absence of BJP ministers and MLAs contesting for other important roles, Minister Pijush Hazarika explained that the withdrawal aligns with a directive from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The decision is intended to promote a healthier sporting environment in the state, he said.

During an event titled, "An Evening" at Dibrugarh Outdoor Stadium, Assam Football Association President Naba Kumar Doley announced the withdrawal of nominations for key positions in the elections.

Hazarika noted that while the MLAs will not be contesting, they will support the sports organizers who are running in the elections.

The elections will fill various roles, including one Senior Vice President, ten Vice Presidents, a General Secretary, a Treasurer, six Joint Secretaries, eight Assistant General Secretaries, and 15 Executive Members. Sources indicate that close associates of Chief Minister Sarma and Minister Sonowal are expected to contest the elections.

Notably, 13 MLAs and ministers, including Pijush Hazarika, Jayanta Malla Baruah, Manab Deka, Taranga Gogoi, Rupak Sharma, Diganta Kalita, and Naba Kumar Doley, were initially anticipated to run.