BJP's Strategic Move in Assam: Kushal Dowari to Contest from Sivasagar

BJP's Nomination Shake-Up in Sivasagar

Guwahati, Mar 23: In a surprising development on the last day for filing nominations, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has chosen Kushal Dowari to represent the Sivasagar constituency, a seat that was initially designated for its ally, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP).

This decision indicates a 'friendly contest' within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), as AGP is also participating with its candidate, Pradip Hazarika. Both parties assert that this choice was made collaboratively.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma supported this approach, labeling it a well-considered electoral strategy during a statement on Monday.

“We see the necessity for a friendly contest in Sivasagar with Kushal Dowari. This decision was reached after thorough discussions between BJP and AGP,” Sarma remarked.

Dowari, the BJP candidate, adopted a conciliatory stance, recognizing the competitive environment while emphasizing the friendly nature of the contest.

“All candidates in Sivasagar are our rivals, yet we will engage in a friendly contest with AGP’s Pradip Hazarika,” Dowari stated.

This situation has made Sivasagar one of the most anticipated constituencies in the forthcoming Assembly elections, as it will evaluate both the unity of the alliance and the political strength of individual candidates.

The BJP's choice to nominate Dowari, despite existing seat-sharing agreements, comes after weeks of speculation within the NDA regarding whether Sivasagar would remain solely with AGP or involve both parties.

Support for Dowari has emerged from within the party, with Assam minister Ranoj Pegu publicly congratulating him.

“Congratulations to Shri Kushal Dowari on being nominated as the BJP candidate for Sivasagar LAC. I wish him tremendous success and a decisive victory ahead,” Pegu expressed in a social media update.

At the heart of this electoral contest is Akhil Gogoi, the president of Raijor Dal, who is the incumbent MLA for the politically crucial Sivasagar constituency.

With BJP’s Kushal Dowari, AGP’s Pradip Hazarika, and Raijor Dal’s Akhil Gogoi all in the race, Sivasagar is poised to be a high-stakes battle in the upcoming Assam Assembly elections.