Educational credentials of BJP candidates contesting Silchar civic polls questioned

The Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) has raised concerns over the educational qualifications of 13 BJP candidates participating in the upcoming Silchar Municipal Corporation elections scheduled for October 3, 2026. AJP leader Kunki Chowdhury alleged that her party had lodged complaints against these candidates for misrepresenting their educational credentials, yet the State Election Commission and district authorities failed to address the issue.

Chowdhury pointed out discrepancies in the educational backgrounds of several candidates, including Kanchan Deb, Uttam Kumar Gowala, Pratiksha Deb, and Paplee Karmakar, claiming that their degrees were obtained from universities with questionable accreditation. She emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into these matters.

The Silchar Municipal Corporation, which recently transitioned from a Municipal Board to a Municipal Corporation in September 2025, will hold its first civic polls after a hiatus since April 2020. BJP has secured two uncontested seats, while the Congress has a candidate in Ward 18 who recently switched to the BJP. An independent candidate remains the sole challenger to the BJP in this ward.