Assam: Adivasi group's "no vote to BJP" campaign could benefit AAP candidate in Dibrugarh
Digboi: The All Adivasi Student Association of Assam's (AASAA) month-long campaign urging voters to reject the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming Assam elections could significantly impact the Dibrugarh Lok Sabha seat, currently held by BJP MP Rameswar Teli.
Following the Adivasi Mahasabha's decision in January to boycott the BJP, AASAA has launched peaceful protests across Tinsukia district, displaying banners and posters in Bordumsa, Pengaree, Digboi, Margherita, Panitola, Bordubi, Guijan, Makum, and Philobari.
"The BJP government's failure to address the tea tribe community's grievances prompted the Adivasi Mahasabha to call for a boycott across tea-dominated regions," said AASAA district secretary Jarnel Minz.
"While we won't abstain from voting, we will not support the BJP," he said.
With the agitation targeting Teli's performance, speculation is rife that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Manoj Dhanowar could win over crucial Adivasi voters.
AASAA agitators in Digboi warned the BJP that they might shift allegiance to Dhanowar if their issues remain unresolved.
"Tea tribe voters hold the key in Dibrugarh, and we can replace Teli with Dhanowar," cautioned Minz.
Growing anti-incumbency sentiment against Teli, coupled with AASAA's campaign, could give Dhanowar a significant edge in the upcoming polls.