Tinsukia: The electoral scenario in Assam’s Tinsukia Election District has been firmly established with the finalisation of 28 candidates across six Legislative Assembly constituencies, following the completion of scrutiny and the last date of withdrawal.
With no candidate withdrawing nominations on March 26, all validly nominated candidates remain in the fray, setting the stage for a full-scale, multi-cornered electoral contest.
Earlier, during the scrutiny of nomination papers held on March 24, all nominations in 81 Sadiya, 82 Doomdooma, 83 Margherita, 84 Digboi, and 86 Tinsukia constituencies were found valid.
However, in the 85 Makum constituency, the nomination of Munna Karmakar (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha) was rejected. The scrutiny process was conducted under the supervision of General Observers Abhinav Trikha and Mitali Namchoom, ensuring transparency and adherence to election norms.
With the final list of contesting candidates published on March 26, the election campaign has officially intensified across all six constituencies. Candidates and political parties have now entered the crucial campaigning phase, which will continue until 48 hours before polling, as per election guidelines.
The campaign period is expected to witness rallies, door-to-door outreach, and public engagement as candidates seek to connect with voters.
As per the final electoral roll, the district has 10,03,490 voters, including 4,87,742 male, 5,15,714 female, and 34 third-gender voters, who will cast their votes at 1,280 polling stations on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4.
In the 81 Sadiya constituency, BJP candidate Bolin Chetia will contest against AJP’s Jagadish Bhuyan and Independent candidates Lalit Deori, Abraham Tirkey, and Dilip Borgohain. The 82 Doomdooma constituency will witness a direct contest between BJP’s Rupesh Gowala and Congress candidate Durga Bhumij.
The 83 Margherita constituency will see BJP’s Bhaskar Sharma facing Raijor Dal candidate Rahul Chetry and JMM’s Jarnel Minj in a triangular contest. In the 84 Digboi constituency, BJP candidate Suren Phukan will compete against Independent candidates Lakheswar Moran and Dulal Moran (backed by Raijor Dal), TMC’s Jiten Nag, and JMM’s Bharat Nayak.
In the 85 Makum constituency, BJP’s Sanjay Kisan will take on Congress candidate Shibanath Chetia, TMC’s Dilip Moran, and Independent candidates Padmakanta Chutia and Lakhya Jyoti Rajkhowa.
The 86 Tinsukia constituency, which has the highest number of candidates, will see BJP’s Pulak Gohain and Congress candidate David Phukan in the fray along with RPI candidate Israil Nanda and Independent candidates Jintu Bora, Bhairav Bhagat, Gobinda Jaishre, Johny Kiran Nayak, and Lalan Sahani.
Meanwhile, to enhance voter participation, the SVEEP Cell organised a voter awareness programme at Dihing Tea Estate in the Margherita constituency.
Addressing the gathering, District Commissioner Sumit Sattawan urged citizens to participate actively, describing voting as a “festival of democracy” and noting the importance of Voter Information Slips in ensuring a smooth voting experience.
Polling will be held from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM on April 9, with facilities such as separate queues, priority access for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and pregnant women, and basic amenities at all polling stations.
Voters have been advised to carry EPIC or any valid identity proof, while mobile phones will not be allowed inside polling compartments.
With 28 candidates, over 10 lakh voters, an active campaign phase underway, and strengthened awareness initiatives, Tinsukia is set for a high-stakes and participatory democratic exercise.