Polarisation trends may shape contests in undivided Nagaon district

By Dalim Phukan
Guwahati, March 21: With candidates announced and nominations underway, the political landscape in central Assam’s Nagaon and Morigaon districts is beginning to take shape ahead of the Assembly elections. While it is still early to predict the final outcome across the 10 Legislative Assembly Constituencies (LACs) of the undivided Nagaon district, political observers believe voting patterns may once again reflect religious polarisation, as seen in the 2021 Assembly and the last Lok Sabha elections.

Of the 10 constituencies, Jagiroad, Morigaon, Kaliabor, Nagaon-Batadrava and Barhampur are largely Hindu-dominated (comprising Assamese and Bengali voters), while Lahorighat, Dhing, Rupahi and Samaguri have a significant Muslim electorate. Raha presents a more balanced demographic, with an almost equal Hindu-Muslim voter base.

Following the announcement of candidates by the Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies, as well as the Indian National Congress-led camp, a mix of direct and triangular contests is expected across constituencies.

In Jagiroad, senior minister Pijush Hazarika has filed his nomination for the BJP. He faces Congress candidate Bubul Das, a former AGP leader who joined the party only six months ago. Political observers view Hazarika as the frontrunner, given his strong organisational backing.

Morigaon is likely to witness a keen contest. Sitting BJP MLA Rama Kanta Deori is seeking re-election but faces anti-incumbency sentiments and internal dissent within the party. Several leaders of the Tiwa Autonomous Council, including Chief Executive Member Jibon Konwar and others, have reportedly opposed his candidature. The Congress has ceded the seat to its ally, the Asom Jatiya Parishad, which has fielded Bani Kanta Das. The move triggered discontent within the local Congress unit, leading to the resignation of party leader Ramesh Bordoloi. However, AJP candidate Das has since managed to consolidate support, setting the stage for a direct contest.

Lahorighat, traditionally a Congress stronghold, has been witnessing intense political turbulence. Sitting MLA Dr Asif Nazar eventually secured the Congress ticket with backing from APCC president Gaurav Gogoi, despite internal opposition. The situation escalated after Nagaon MP Pradyut Bordoloi parted ways with the Congress following disagreements over candidate selection.

The constituency is now headed for a direct contest between Congress candidate Asif Nazar and All India United Democratic Front nominee Siddique Ahmed.

Overall, with internal rifts, shifting alliances and demographic factors at play, the electoral battle in Nagaon and Morigaon districts is poised to be closely watched in the run-up to the polls.