Exclusive: Is a seat being ‘fixed’ even before the Assam elections? Allegations that Minister Ranoj Pegu got his own close aide declared a Congress candidate

Jonai (Assam). A startling political story is emerging ahead of the Assam Assembly elections. There are discussions in political circles that a powerful cabinet minister in the BJP government, Ranoj Pegu, may have played a strategic move to ensure his victory. It is being alleged that a person considered close to the minister was facilitated to join the Congress and subsequently declared the party’s candidate from the same constituency from which the minister is planning to contest this time.

When Gaurav Gogoi was appointed as the president of the Assam Congress, there were expectations that the party would perform better in the upcoming elections. However, after the release of the first list of candidates, voices of dissatisfaction have grown louder within the party. Several office-bearers have reportedly resigned, raising questions about the party’s internal situation.

According to political observers, out of the 42 seats announced so far, Congress appears to be in a strong contest in only about seven seats. One such example being discussed is the Jonai Assembly constituency in Assam, where Congress has declared Raj Kumar Medak as its candidate.

Sources claim that Medak joined the Congress only a few months ago and is considered to be very close to minister Ranoj Pegu. Pegu is currently an MLA from the Dhemaji constituency, but there are discussions about growing dissatisfaction against him there. As a result, it is believed that he may contest this time from the neighboring Jonai constituency.

Political circles are abuzz with speculation that, as part of a calculated strategy, a close associate was given a Congress ticket to keep the contest weak and make the path to victory easier.

The background of Medak adds another layer of intrigue to the story. It is said that due to his closeness to the minister, he had received certain government-related works. Later, he reportedly faced an FIR in connection with the alleged misuse of government funds and even spent some time in jail, though he was eventually released on bail.

Sources further claim that this was when the real political chess move began—first facilitating entry into the Congress and then securing a party ticket, allegedly as part of a broader strategy.

Meanwhile, minister Ranoj Pegu has intensified his activities in the Jonai region, holding frequent meetings to mobilize supporters. In one such recent meeting, even a Congress block president was reportedly seen sitting beside him, sparking fresh political discussions locally.

On the other hand, the public political activity of Congress candidate Raj Kumar Medak appears largely absent. Since receiving the ticket, he has reportedly neither held any public meetings nor remained in active contact with party office-bearers.

The dates for the Assam Assembly elections could be announced any time after March 14. On that day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address a rally in Assam, after which the Election Commission may hold a press conference to declare the election schedule. It is being speculated that the elections in the state could be completed by around April 15.

In such a scenario, the question being raised is whether all of this is merely a political coincidence or a deeper strategic move on the political chessboard ahead of the elections. If there is any truth to these discussions, it could turn into a significant and intriguing chapter in Assam’s political landscape.