The Indian National Congress party has finalized its list of candidates for contested assembly constituencies, with key decisions emerging from a marathon meeting held in Kochi. The party's high command, led by President Mallikarjun Kharge, resolved to avoid allowing MPs to contest in the upcoming elections, a stance that led to the resignation of K. Sudhakaran, a senior leader who had previously pushed for such a move. This decision was formalized during a critical meeting at Kharge's residence, which concluded at 2:15 PM. Notable candidates include T. T. Mohan in Kozhikode, Satish Kochu in Kondotty, and Shabari Nath in Nematth. Other selections include Abhin Varki in Aranmula, Sudhir Shah Palot in Vamanapuram, N. Shaktan in Neyyattinkara, Madhu in Ranjith, Roy K. Paulos in Ittikkurich, and Natesh in Ettumanoor. The second phase of the ticket list is set to be announced at 10 AM. The party also confirmed that five constituencies remain contested, with disputes ongoing in Udumalpet, Kottayam, and Chayamangalath. Meanwhile, the Congress's decision to exclude MPs from contesting has been met with resistance, particularly from Sudhakaran, whose efforts to push for their inclusion were thwarted. Party leaders, including Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Sunny Joseph and opposition leader V. D. Satheesh, emphasized that the final decisions on contested seats were left to the high command. Satheesh also assured that the list would be finalized today, alleviating concerns for candidates who did not secure tickets. The meeting marked a pivotal moment in the party's strategy for the upcoming elections, balancing internal dynamics with electoral considerations.#kochi #indian_national_congress #mallikarjun_kharge #kerala_pradesh_congress_committee #sudhakaran

Pradyut Bordoloi: Assam Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi resigns ahead of state polls Assam senior Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Pradyut Bordoloi resigned from the Indian National Congress just 20 days before the state assembly elections. The resignation was submitted to AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, according to party sources. In a brief, one-line letter to Kharge, Bordoloi expressed “overwhelming sadness” and formally tendered his resignation from all posts, privileges, and primary membership of the party. Bordoloi, a former Assam cabinet minister and two-time MP representing the Nagaon constituency, is a prominent figure within the state Congress party. His son is currently contesting the upcoming assembly elections as a Congress candidate from the Margherita seat, where voting is scheduled for April 9. The timing of his resignation has raised questions about its implications for the party’s strategy ahead of the polls. Following the announcement, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee chief Gaurav Gogoi addressed the situation, stating that he had spoken with Bordoloi and condemned the “kind of things that are coming out in the media.” Gogoi’s comments suggest concerns about media narratives surrounding the resignation, though no further details were provided. Bordoloi’s decision to resign has sparked speculation about the factors influencing his move. While the article does not explicitly outline the reasons, it highlights the political dynamics at play, including potential pressures from rival parties and the strategic considerations of the upcoming elections. His resignation adds to the complexities of the state’s political landscape, where multiple parties are vying for influence ahead of the vote.#assam_congress #pradyut_bordoloi #mallikarjun_kharge #gaurav_gogoi #nagaon_constituency

Assam Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi Quits Party, Likely To Join BJP Senior Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Pradyut Bordoloi resigned from the Congress on Thursday, sparking speculation about his potential shift to the BJP ahead of the Assam assembly elections. In a letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Bordoloi expressed "overwhelming sadness" over his decision to leave the party, citing deep disappointment with the leadership’s handling of internal matters. His resignation comes amid growing tensions within the Congress party, following the recent departure of former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah, who also quit the party days prior. Bordoloi’s decision to resign was linked to his opposition to the renomination of MLA Asif Mohammad Nazar, a figure embroiled in serious allegations. The Nagaon MP had warned party leadership that he would quit if Nazar was renominated for the upcoming assembly polls. In his resignation letter to Congress general secretary Jitendra Singh, Bordoloi criticized the party’s failure to address the allegations against Nazar, including a suo motu investigation by the Assam Police that led to the arrest and chargesheeting of Emdadul Islam, Nazar’s close associate. Bordoloi alleged that Islam was involved in a violent attack on him and his associate Sibamoni Bora in April 2025 at Dumdumia in Dhing, where around 20 armed individuals reportedly participated. After securing bail, Islam received what Bordoloi described as a "hero’s welcome" organized by Nazar. The MP further claimed Islam was taken to the home of state unit president Gaurav Gogoi and felicitated at an event on January 11, later appearing alongside Nazar and Gogoi at a party program in Morigaon.#bjp #himanta_biswa_sarma #assam_congress #pradyut_bordoloi #mallikarjun_kharge