Is Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Succeeding in Planting Candidates in Congress? Jonai Assembly Case Raises Questions

Guwahati (Assam): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is often counted among the most politically astute leaders in the country. Known for his strategic political moves, he played a crucial role in bringing the Bharatiya Janata Party to power in Assam through his personal political acumen. His sharp political statements frequently unsettle opponents, and many observers describe his style of politics as similar to a game of chess—where adversaries often realize too late that they have already been checkmated.

Amid the ongoing political developments, reports emerging from Assam suggest that several names in the first list of candidates released by the Indian National Congress may have been indirectly influenced or “planted” through political maneuvering. One such case being discussed is from the Jonai (ST) Assembly constituency (No. 80).

The controversy revolves around Raj Kumar Medak, who has been selected by the Congress as its candidate from Jonai (ST). Interestingly, Medak joined the Congress only about four months ago, yet the party has nominated him as its candidate. Concerns are being raised because a serious criminal case related to alleged misappropriation of government funds has reportedly been registered against him.

According to sources, Raj Kumar Medak has been accused in a financial irregularity and embezzlement case involving government money. It is also being claimed that he had spent nearly six months in jail in connection with the case.

The details of the case are as follows:

Police Station: Jonai
FIR No.: 159
Year: 2023

The case has been registered under serious provisions of the Indian Penal Code—Sections 406, 420, and 409. The matter is currently under trial in the district court and remains under judicial consideration. At present, Medak is out on bail.

Sources further allege that Medak is in regular contact with a powerful BJP minister who holds cabinet rank in the state’s education department. It is being speculated in political circles that Medak’s political “remote control” may effectively remain with the BJP, and that the Congress candidate could even withdraw his nomination at a strategic moment.

The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for March 10, 2026.

Given the seriousness of the allegations, some political observers believe that the candidate’s nomination could also face scrutiny by the Election Commission of India during the election process. Since the case involves alleged embezzlement of government funds and the government itself is a party in the matter, the court’s final decision could come at any time.

If a verdict is delivered before the election and Medak is convicted, his candidature could automatically be cancelled. In such a scenario, if no other candidate—including an independent—files nomination papers from this constituency apart from the BJP candidate, it could potentially result in an uncontested victory for the BJP, giving the party a direct political advantage.

In light of these developments, several Congress leaders have reportedly urged senior party leadership to reconsider the decision. They believe it would be prudent for the party high command to review the situation and nominate another suitable candidate from the Jonai (ST) Assembly constituency to avoid any unforeseen or politically embarrassing situation in the future.