Factionalism within the Congress party in Barpeta intensified as disagreements over leadership appointments turned into open confrontations. The dispute erupted over the selection of the Chenga Block Congress president, leading to heated arguments at Rajiv Bhawan, the Barpeta District Congress office. Tensions escalated in the presence of Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) General Secretary Kandarpa Kalita, who struggled to mediate the conflict among party workers.
Supporters of different factions clashed over the legitimacy of the appointment, accusing each other of favoritism and sidelining grassroots workers. Some party members alleged that the leadership had ignored the recommendations of senior workers in the region, fueling resentment among those who felt excluded from the decision-making process. The chaos inside the district office soon turned physical, with members exchanging verbal abuses and pushing one another in frustration.
Leaders within the Congress party attempted to restore order, urging members to resolve the dispute through dialogue rather than confrontation. However, the disagreement underscored deep-rooted divisions within the party’s local unit. Party insiders revealed that factional struggles have been brewing for months, and the conflict over the Chenga Block leadership was only the latest episode in an ongoing power struggle.
Congress has traditionally held significant influence in Barpeta, but internal strife has weakened its organizational structure in recent years. Many workers expressed concern that continued infighting could damage the party’s prospects in the upcoming elections. Some veteran leaders criticized the lack of a transparent selection process, stating that appointments should be based on merit and consensus rather than personal loyalties.
The presence of APCC General Secretary Kandarpa Kalita did little to defuse the situation, as both factions remained steadfast in their positions. Kalita urged members to prioritize unity, warning that disunity would only benefit rival political forces. Despite his efforts, the confrontation highlighted the growing dissatisfaction among party workers who believe that leadership decisions are increasingly dictated by internal lobbying rather than genuine grassroots support.
Political analysts believe that the ongoing factionalism within the Barpeta Congress could weaken its ability to mount a strong electoral campaign. With rival parties closely monitoring the developments, Congress risks losing ground if it fails to address internal divisions effectively. Senior party leaders are now under pressure to step in and mediate the crisis before it causes further damage.
As tensions remain high, local Congress members have called for an urgent intervention from the state leadership to prevent further fragmentation. Some have suggested holding fresh discussions to ensure that all voices are heard before finalizing the appointment of the Chenga Block Congress president. Without a resolution, the rift within the party could deepen, affecting its overall performance in the region.
With the party’s future at stake, senior Congress figures may have to rethink their approach to leadership appointments and internal decision-making. Party workers insist that the key to regaining stability lies in fostering inclusivity and ensuring that grassroots workers feel valued in the organizational hierarchy. Unless decisive action is taken, the growing factionalism in Barpeta could lead to further unrest, weakening the party’s standing in Assam’s political landscape.
