North Lakhimpur: With the nomination process concluding on March 23, the electoral landscape in Assam’s Lakhimpur district has become clear, setting the stage for straight contests in all five Legislative Assembly Constituencies (LACs).
The ruling BJP-AGP alliance and the opposition Congress are poised for direct face-offs in the Bihpuria, Ranganadi, Lakhimpur, Nowboicha, and Dhakuakhana constituencies.
The earlier uncertainty over party nominations in the Bihpuria and Ranganadi LACs has now been resolved, with candidates from both camps filing their papers on the final day.
The BJP has fielded Bhupen Borah in 73 Bihpuria, Rishiraj Hazarika in 74 Ranganadi, incumbent MLA Manab Deka in 75 Lakhimpur, and incumbent Naba Kumar Doley in 77 Dhakuakhana (ST), while its ally AGP has nominated Basanta Das in 76 Nowboicha (SC).
The Congress, on the other hand, has put forward Narayan “Ram” Bhuyan, Jayanta Khaund, Ghana Burhagohain, Joy Prakash Das, and Ananda Narah in these five constituencies, respectively.
In Bihpuria, the BJP’s decision to nominate former APCC president Bhupen Borah triggered internal dissent, leading to the resignation of sitting MLA Amiya Kumar Bhuyan. However, the situation stabilised after Bhuyan was appointed as a BJP state vice-president.
The contest is now set to be a direct battle between Borah and Congress newcomer Narayan “Ram” Bhuyan, who has been actively campaigning on local economic issues.
The newly formed Ranganadi LAC has witnessed a significant political realignment. Congress candidate Jayanta Khaund, who recently quit the AGP, has emerged as a strong challenger to BJP’s Rishiraj Hazarika.
Khaund’s position has been strengthened by the support of former AGP workers and the defection of senior BJP leader Gahin Bora to the Congress.
In the Lakhimpur LAC, BJP’s Manab Deka, seeking re-election, is banking on his incumbency and support from newly added areas following delimitation. He faces a direct contest from Congress’ former MLA Ghana Burhagohain.
The Nowboicha (SC) constituency has also seen shifting dynamics, with Basanta Das resigning from the BJP to join the AGP, which has fielded him as its candidate. Das will take on Congress leader Joy Prakash Das, who has maintained a strong presence in the constituency despite narrow defeats in previous elections.
In Dhakuakhana (ST), incumbent BJP MLA Naba Kumar Doley is up against Congress candidate Ananda Narah. While Narah’s nomination has reportedly caused some discontent within the Congress ranks, it may work to the advantage of the sitting MLA.
With no significant third-party presence and alliances firmly in place, all five constituencies in Lakhimpur district are heading towards bipolar contests between the BJP-AGP alliance and the Congress, closely mirroring the electoral pattern seen in the 2021 Assembly elections.