Intensified Election Campaigns in Barhampur and Nagaon-Batadroba Constituencies
Election Campaigns Heat Up
Durlav Chamua, Rupak Sharma, Jitu Goswami, Rajen Gohain
Nagaon, April 2: Following the conclusion of the nomination process, candidates from major political factions, including the ruling BJP alliance and the opposition coalition, have ramped up their election campaigns in the Barhampur and Nagaon-Batadroba Assembly constituencies.
This election cycle sees five candidates contesting in the significant Barhampur Assembly seat. The NDA has re-nominated the sitting BJP MLA, while the opposition has put forward former senior BJP member Rajen Gohain under the Assam Jatiya Parishad banner. Additionally, the AAP has nominated Ranumai Terangpi, and the AIUDF has fielded Mojibur Rahman, with independent candidate Najrul Islam also in the race.
Political analysts and informed voters suggest that the primary competition will be between BJP's Jitu Goswami and AJP's Rajen Gohain.
Historically, Barhampur has been a focal point of regional politics, previously held by the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP).
AGP minister Girindra Kumar Baruah first secured the Barhampur seat in 1985, and former Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta maintained the seat from 1991 until 2021.
However, in 2021, due to strategic missteps by AGP leadership during seat-sharing talks, the constituency was ceded to the BJP. Consequently, PK Mahanta's candidacy was sidelined due to health concerns, leading to Jitu Goswami's nomination by the NDA amidst significant dissent from grassroots AGP supporters. Goswami narrowly won the seat by over 700 votes in the last Assembly elections.
Many long-time BJP and AGP members have expressed dissatisfaction, claiming that the current MLA has not adequately addressed their concerns during his tenure. This discontent is expected to influence the upcoming elections.
In Barhampur, a total of 320,471 voters, including 114,711 males, 115,751 females, and 9 transgender individuals, will cast their votes. The constituency comprises over 74,000 Muslims, more than 40,000 tea tribe members, and various indigenous Assamese Hindu and Bengali voters.
Meanwhile, in the Nagaon-Batadroba Assembly constituency, the contest is primarily between incumbent BJP MLA Rupak Sarma and opposition Congress candidate Dr. Durlav Chamua. Only three candidates are competing: BJP's Rupak Sarma, Congress's Dr. Durlav Chamua, and SUCI's Barnali Sarma.
Rupak Sarma, a well-liked and dynamic figure, has established strong connections with voters during his two consecutive terms. His approachable demeanor and cultural activism have fostered a sense of community among constituents.
During his tenure, Sarma has overseen significant development in the area. Conversely, Dr. Durlav Chamua, who previously served as a local MLA, also maintains a close relationship with the electorate, having made notable contributions to the community.
A total of 197,284 voters, including 95,348 males, 101,930 females, and 6 transgender individuals, will determine the outcome in Nagaon. The constituency now includes approximately 55,000 Muslims, around 45,000 Bengali speakers, and 12,000 to 15,000 Hindi speakers, alongside indigenous Hindu Assamese and tribal voters.