The nomination process for the Assam Assembly elections ended with a rush of activity in Tinsukia district, as 27 candidates filed their papers on the final day, March 23. With this, the stage is now set for a tough and multi-cornered contest across six Assembly constituencies in the district, which is considered politically important in Upper Assam.
Officials said candidates from all major political parties took part in the process. These include the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Indian National Congress, Asom Jatiya Parishad (AJP), Trinamool Congress (TMC), Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), and Raijor Dal. A number of independent candidates also joined the race, adding to the competition in almost every seat.
In the 81 No. Sadiya constituency, AJP candidate Jagadish Bhuyan filed his nomination along with independent candidates Lalit Deori, Abraham Tirkey, and Dilip Borgohain. The entry of multiple candidates has made the contest here more open.
The 82 No. Doomdooma constituency is likely to see a direct fight between BJP’s Rupesh Gowala and Congress candidate Durga Bhumij. Both leaders submitted their nominations on the last day, setting up a straight contest between the two main parties.
In the 83 No. Margherita constituency, Raijor Dal candidate Rahul Chettri and JMM’s Jarnel Minz entered the fray, adding more layers to the contest in this coal belt region.
The 84 No. Digboi constituency saw a large number of candidates filing nominations. BJP’s Suren Phukan, independent Lakheswar Moran, Raijor Dal-backed independent Dulal Moran, TMC’s Jiten Nag, and JMM’s Bharat Nayak are among those in the race. The presence of several candidates points to a multi-cornered contest.
In the 85 No. Makum constituency, BJP candidate Sanjay Kishan and Congress nominee Shibnath Chetia will face competition from TMC’s Dilip Moran, JMM’s Munna Karmakar, and independent candidates Padmakanta Chutia and Lakhya Jyoti Rajkhowa.
The 86 No. Tinsukia constituency recorded the highest number of nominations. BJP’s Pulak Gogoi and Congress candidate David Phukan are among the main contenders. They are joined by several independent candidates, including Jintu Bora, Bhiron Bhagat, Gobinda Jaishre, Joni Kiran Nayak, and Lalon Sahani, along with Republican Party of India candidate Izrail Nanda.
Election officials said the scrutiny of nomination papers will be held on March 24. Candidates will have time to withdraw their names until March 26.