Guwahati: As five assembly seats in Assam prepare for bypolls, the electoral battles in Samaguri and Bongaigaon assembly constituencies have garnered significant attention.
BJP has historically struggled to secure a substantial mandate in Samaguri, while the Congress Party has consistently underperformed in Bongaigaon.
BJP state general secretary Diplu Ranjan Sarma and ally Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) candidate Deeptimoyee Choudhury filed their nominations for Samaguri and Bongaigaon assembly constituencies, respectively, on the final day of nomination submissions on Friday.
Deeptimoyee is the spouse of senior AGP leader and former eight-time Bongaigaon MLA and present Barpeta MP Phani Bhushan Choudhury.
Sarma is set to face Tanzil, the son of former Congress MLA from Samaguri and current Dhubri MP Rakibul Hussain. Conversely, Deeptimoyee will be pitted against Congress candidate Brajenjit Sinha.
BJP, which is confident in Dholai and Behali seats, appears less confident in Samaguri, given the party’s past electoral performance. Past election results indicate that the BJP was unable to secure more than 40% of the votes in any of the previous five assembly elections. Party insiders attribute the Congress Party’s traditional stronghold in Samaguri to the constituency’s demographic composition. However, a source said, “Despite the challenges, the BJP has put forth its best efforts this time and remains optimistic about a positive outcome, potentially rewriting the script in Samaguri.”
Congress leaders, including MP Gaurav Gogoi and Tanzil’s father Rakibul, have been diligently campaigning for Tanzil and have expressed confidence in retaining the seat.
In contrast, Congress has consistently underperformed in the Bongaigaon seat, securing less than 35% of the votes in each of the last five elections. This constituency is considered a stronghold of the regional party AGP, a key ally of the BJP. The electoral wave has remained loyal to former MLA and current MP Phani Bhushan Choudhury since 1983.
The bypolls will serve as a test for Deeptimoyee, particularly in light of the recent departure of at least 35 AGP members, including the district secretary and president due to dissent over her candidature.
Congress, which has fielded retired IPS officer Brajenjit Sinha as its candidate, is optimistic about enhancing its performance in Bongaigaon and strengthening its base in preparation for the 2026 assembly elections.
After filing their nominations, Sarma expressed confidence in altering the trend in Samaguri, while Deeptimoyee, bolstered by the participation of party workers in her rally, believes she will successfully retain the Bongaigaon seat.