Hafiz Rashid Ahmed Chowdhury, the Congress candidate, formally submitted his nomination papers for the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2024 amidst a fervent display of support from thousands of followers.

 Accompanied by district-level officials, notably Aminul Islam who recently defected from the BJP, as well as Khalilur Rahman, the MLA from Katigara, and various members of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, Chowdhury led a massive procession starting from Kanishail Masjid in the city.

 The procession, marked by lively music from traditional instruments and accompanied by enthusiastic supporters, culminated at the district commissioner’s office where Chowdhury filed his nomination papers. The gathering effectively halted traffic as it traversed the city’s main thoroughfare, demonstrating the significant backing behind Chowdhury’s candidacy.

 However, amidst the campaign fervor, concerns arose as the chief minister announced intentions to file a case against Hafiz Rashid for alleged derogatory remarks made against the Mahimal community. In response, Chowdhury dismissed the accusations, attributing them to a need for the chief minister to better comprehend his statements, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful dialogue.

Chowdhury also addressed the BJP’s previous victory margin of 15 lakh votes, downplaying predictions and stressing the unpredictable nature of elections, citing the considerable support evident in the current campaign. He criticized the chief minister’s use of a helicopter during campaigning, implying it was a mere show of extravagance rather than a substantive engagement with voters.

Regarding concerns over electoral integrity, particularly the role of law enforcement agencies like the Election Commission, Chowdhury expressed skepticism, suggesting that the government’s focus on entities like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) could potentially influence the electoral process. He urged for a fair and transparent election devoid of undue interference.