Assam’s Lok Sabha bypoll could define contours of Opposition politics in the State
The upcoming Nagaon parliamentary byelection in Assam has become a four-way contest following the AIUDF's decision to field its chief, Badruddin Ajmal. This election serves as a critical test for Opposition unity in the state following the Congress party's split with the Raijor Dal.
Why it matters
The outcome of this bypoll could reshape the political landscape in Assam and determine the effectiveness of the Opposition against the ruling BJP.
The line-up for the Nagaon parliamentary seat byelection on October 6 is complete with the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) nominating its chief, Badruddin Ajmal, as its candidate on Tuesday. His entry makes it a four-way contest, with former legislator Sibamoni Bora of the Congress, former bureaucrat Devasish Sharma of the BJP and academic Abdul Salam of Trinamool Congress also in the fray.
Nagaon is the first major face-off between the principal combatants, BJP and Congress, since the former’s crushing sweep in the April Assembly election with 102 out of 126 seats for the National Democratic Alliance. The AIUDF’s last-minute candidate switch from former student leader Rejaul Karim Sarkar to its founder is a bold gambit that could radically alter Opposition politics in a foreseeable future where the ruling party holds near-absolute sway.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in