BJP Selects Devasish Sharma for Nagaon Lok Sabha By-Election
BJP Names Devasish Sharma as Candidate
Devasish Sharma (Photo: @FightApsc / X)
Guwahati, Sept 11: After much speculation regarding its candidate for the Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has officially announced former Nagaon Deputy Commissioner Devasish Sharma as its nominee, paving the way for a competitive four-way contest.
The BJP's Central Election Committee confirmed Sharma's candidacy for the 09-Nagaon parliamentary constituency through a statement issued from its central office in New Delhi, signed by Tarun Chugh, who oversees the party's national headquarters.
In response to the announcement, Sharma expressed his confidence in receiving strong public support, citing his long-standing relationship with the residents of Nagaon.
“I am assured of the affection from the people. My connection with this constituency extends beyond elections; it has been built over many years. Therefore, I believe the community will rally behind us,” he stated.
Sharma emphasized that voters are looking for change and development, asserting that the BJP is well-positioned to deliver on these expectations, given its governance at both the national and state levels.
His campaign will focus significantly on engaging the youth and highlighting their potential in leadership and nation-building efforts.
“While we will address infrastructure needs like roads and schools, our primary focus will be on empowering the younger generation to take on leadership roles and contribute to nation-building,” Sharma added.
Regarding the constituency's substantial minority population, Sharma noted that community members are also seeking opportunities and have expressed optimism about the changes initiated by the BJP-led administration.
“During my 25 years of service in Nagaon, I remained apolitical,” he remarked, reflecting on his extensive experience in the district as a government official.
Sharma mentioned that he is in the process of completing the necessary paperwork to file his nomination before the September 16 deadline.
In the meantime, Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia congratulated Sharma on his nomination, expressing confidence that the people of Nagaon would support the party decisively.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Shri Debashish Sharma dangoriya for being nominated by @BJP4Assam for the Nagaon Lok Sabha by-elections. We trust that the people of Nagaon will bless the BJP with a significant victory,” Saikia shared on social media.
This announcement coincides with the ongoing extended state executive meeting of the Assam BJP in Guwahati, where senior leaders are discussing the bypoll and other organizational matters.
BJP MP from Guwahati, Bijulee Kalita Medhi, stated that preparations for the Nagaon bypoll are nearly complete and expressed optimism about the party's prospects.
“We are very hopeful about securing the Nagaon seat this time, and even members of the minority community have shown support for development, which only the BJP can provide,” she noted.
Assam Minister Ashok Singhal highlighted that the Nagaon bypoll, the Silchar Municipal Corporation election, and the party's month-long ‘Seva Hi Seva Sankalp’ initiative will be key topics of discussion in the meeting.
“We have several matters to address, including the Nagaon by-election, the Silchar municipal corporation election, and the ‘Seva Hi Seva Sankalp’ work plan. We will thoroughly discuss these issues and strategize for success in both the Lok Sabha by-election and the corporation election,” Singhal stated.
Dispur MLA and former Congress Nagaon MP Pradyut Bordoloi expressed confidence in the electorate's decision, asserting that voters will choose the BJP candidate regardless of the constituency's minority demographics.
“I firmly believe that in the Nagaon bypolls, the electorate will support the BJP candidate, irrespective of the minority community's presence. The contributions of Congress leaders in Nagaon have primarily benefited their families,” Bordoloi remarked.
This bypoll will mark Sharma's first electoral challenge after transitioning from a civil service career to active politics by joining the BJP on September 9.
While the Congress has yet to announce its candidate, the TMC and AIUDF have already entered the fray, making the Nagaon seat a closely monitored four-way contest.