Guwahati, Sept. 5 -- The Congress has suffered a setback in Lahorighat ahead of the Nagaon by-election, with 11 Regional Panchayat members reportedly leaving the party and joining the BJP.

The defections come as political activity gathers momentum ahead of the by-election, with both the Congress and BJP strengthening their organisational preparations and reaching out to local workers and supporters.

The panchayat members are understood to have cited dissatisfaction with the functioning and leadership of Lahorighat MLA Dr Asif Nazar as a key reason for their decision to quit the Congress.

Following their resignation, the 11 members joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, potentially strengthening the BJP's grassroots presence in the Lahorigh...