In the second phase of Lok Sabha elections, the Congress party is facing a tough challenge in Assam’s Karimganj and Nagaon constituencies, where it is up against the BJP and the AIUDF in a triangular contest. The campaigning in these constituencies, set for April 26, is intensifying as all parties compete for control in the region.
Karimganj, situated in the Barak Valley and recognized for its Bengali-majority population, has historically been a stronghold for the BJP. In the 2019 elections, BJP’s Kripanath Mallah emerged victorious, garnering a substantial number of votes against opponents from the AIUDF and Congress. This time around, Mallah is once again contesting, facing off against AIUDF’s Sahabul Islam Choudhury and Congress’ Advocate Hafeez Rashid Ahmed Choudhury. While the BJP is focused on solidifying its position, the AIUDF and Congress are actively campaigning to influence the minority voter base.
Nagaon, located in the Brahmaputra Valley, has a long history of being a fiercely contested constituency. The Congress party currently holds this seat, but in 2019, there was a significant shift in fortunes when the AIUDF extended its support to the Congress, resulting in their victory after a 25-year gap. However, the BJP is now making a determined effort to regain this seat by nominating former Congress member Suresh Bora. In response, the AIUDF has put forward Aminul Islam as their candidate, thereby intensifying the competition in the region.
The Congress party is confronted with a challenging situation in both constituencies, as they strive to maintain their position in Nagaon and gain ground in Karimganj. In Nagaon, the current MP Pradyut Bordoloi is emphasizing the economic inequalities exacerbated by the BJP administration, criticizing the government for deepening the divide between the affluent and the underprivileged. On the other hand, in Karimganj, Congress contender Hafeez Rashid Ahmed Choudhury is denouncing the BJP’s caste-driven tactics and pledging to provide fair chances for development.
The BJP remains assured in its growth-oriented storyline, as Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasizes that government initiatives have positively impacted various segments of society, including minority groups. Sarma’s efforts to engage with Muslim voters represent a notable change in the BJP’s approach, as it seeks to garner support from a demographic it had previously kept at arm’s length.
The AIUDF, under the leadership of Badruddin Ajmal, directs its criticism towards the Congress party, accusing it of disregarding the interests of Muslims and aiding the rise of the BJP. Ajmal asserts that he enjoys significant support from the Muslim community, thereby challenging the Congress’ stronghold in the area. As the electoral competition intensifies and minority votes become pivotal, the results in Karimganj and Nagaon remain uncertain. With parties ramping up their campaigns, the political landscape of the region is set for an intense showdown on the day of polling.
