Guwahati: The battle for Nagaon has reached a boiling point. As campaigning ends for the Oct 6 Lok Sabha bypoll, BJP-led NDA faces its first big test after a landmark assembly victory — fighting to hold its ground and prove its dominance. Congress, charging into the minority-dominated constituency, mounts an aggressive final push to make a statement. And AIUDF, once a powerful voice among Muslim voters, strives to reclaim its lost base.The seat fell vacant after former MP Pradyut Bordoloi left Congress and joined BJP before the 2026 assembly elections. He also won the assembly election from Dispur constituency.Congress nominee and former MLA Sibamoni Bora is locked in a three-cornered contest with BJP candidate Devasish Sharma, a former IAS officer who resigned as Nagaon district commissioner in Sept to enter electoral politics, and AIUDF chief and MLA Badruddin Ajmal.The campaign focused on govt welfare schemes, development, citizenship issues and controversial political remarks, with BJP and Congress seeking to consolidate their support bases. The result will not alter the balance of power in Parliament.CM Himanta Biswa Sarma led NDA campaign, addressing rallies across the constituency’s eight assembly segments. Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal, BJP state president Dilip Saikia and AGP president Atul Bora, along with ministers, MPs and MLAs, campaigned for Sharma.Sarma highlighted govt schemes for women and youths and urged voters to support NDA for faster development. He also targeted Congress leader Rakibul Hussain over his alleged focus on biryani and chicken pulao, drawing a sharp response from Hussain.Congress leaders, including state president Gaurav Gogoi, AICC Assam in-charge Bhupesh Baghel and opposition alliance partners, campaigned extensively for Bora. Gogoi accused BJP of practising communal politics and alleged that the ruling party had targeted minorities through evictions and other measures.Congress also alleged an understanding between BJP and AIUDF, a charge rejected by Ajmal. AIUDF chief, whose party was reduced to two MLAs in the recent assembly elections from 16 earlier, sought to revive its political base and positioned the party as the voice of minorities.A total of 15 candidates, including nine Independents, are in the fray. Of the 19.05 lakh voters, 9.43 lakh are women and 50 belong to the third-gender category. Polling will be held on Oct 6, with counting scheduled for Oct 9.
