Silchar: The streets of Silchar turned into a kaleidoscope of party flags and high-decibel slogans on Monday as thousands of supporters descended upon the town for filing of nominations.The ruling BJP turned the day into a massive show of strength. A ‘Mannonayan Sabha’ was organised at the District Sports Association (DSA) ground, where Assam Pradesh BJP president Dilip Saikia addressed a mammoth gathering. The congestion was so severe that Saikia was forced to abandon his vehicle and walk from Sadarghat bridge to the venue.Minister Kaushik Rai, contesting from Lakhipur, described the turnout as “unprecedented”. In a display of party unity, sitting Silchar MLA Dipayan Chakraborty, who was denied a ticket, joined the procession to back BJP nominee Rajdeep Roy.In Sonai, AGP candidate Karim Uddin Barbhuiya expressed confidence, claiming his victory would be “comfortable” with little to no contest. The Congress camp presented a different narrative, claiming a strong undercurrent of anti-incumbency. Abhijit Paul, a first-time candidate from Silchar, said the massive turnout of his supporters indicated a desire for change.
