As the bypolls for five key assembly constituencies in Assam—Dholai (SC), Sidli (ST), Bongaigaon, Behali, and Samaguri—unfold, early trends have revealed a closely contested battle between major political parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), and the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL). The counting of votes began at 8 a.m. on November 23, 2024, and, with each passing round, the political landscape in the state appears to be on the brink of significant shifts. The trends point to intense competition, with party workers and leaders on edge, eagerly awaiting more updates.
In Dholai (SC), a seat traditionally contested by both the BJP and Congress, the early numbers suggest a narrow lead for the BJP candidate. The party’s candidate has made significant strides, but Congress has not fallen too far behind, intensifying the sense of anticipation. The constituency, which is reserved for Scheduled Castes, has seen strong campaigning from both sides, with Congress hoping to retain control while the BJP seeks to expand its footprint. The votes are expected to keep fluctuating throughout the day as the counting progresses, with the outcome being a matter of close scrutiny.
Sidli (ST) is also emerging as a battleground between the BJP and the UPPL. As an ST (Scheduled Tribe) constituency, Sidli has been a traditional stronghold for regional parties, particularly the UPPL. However, the BJP has been aggressively working to make inroads, and the early trends indicate a tough fight between the two parties. While UPPL had expected a solid support base, the BJP’s campaign efforts, including outreach to tribal communities, seem to have given them a slight edge. As each round of counting progresses, it remains to be seen whether the UPPL can pull ahead or if the BJP will manage to flip the seat in its favor.
In the Bongaigaon constituency, the trends show a fascinating contest between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress. The Congress, which has had a significant presence in the region, has seen considerable campaigning by local leaders. However, the BJP’s growing support base, especially among younger voters, has worked in its favor. This constituency’s results could have a ripple effect on the region’s political sentiment, as Bongaigaon has traditionally been a hotbed for political shifts in Assam. As the early trends suggest, the race here is extremely tight, with both parties jostling for an early lead.
Behali has also seen a surge in the number of voters casting their ballots, and early trends indicate that the BJP is in the lead. However, AGP is holding its ground strongly, with local factors playing a significant role. The alliance between the BJP and AGP has made for an interesting political dynamic in the region. Both parties have deep-rooted connections to the local electorate, and it seems that their rivalry will be a defining feature of this contest. The lead here is slim, and every vote counted could shift the results.
Samaguri, too, is proving to be a tightly contested seat. While the BJP appears to have an early advantage, the Congress and AGP are closely following, with slight fluctuations observed in the trends. The outcome of this contest could have significant implications for the larger political dynamics in Assam, as it will reflect the ongoing political changes in the state. Party workers are anxious, waiting to see how the trends evolve as more rounds of counting take place.
The early results from these constituencies have painted a picture of a highly competitive political environment in Assam. While the BJP seems to have taken an early lead in some constituencies, the contest remains fluid, with the Congress, AGP, and UPPL still in the race. The bypolls have raised the stakes for the ruling party, and these results could serve as a precursor to the upcoming general elections in Assam.
As the counting progresses, the political atmosphere remains charged with excitement and anticipation. The final outcome of these bypolls will offer a glimpse into the political pulse of Assam, revealing the public’s shifting allegiance and providing valuable insights into the state’s evolving electoral trends. As voters continue to wait anxiously for the final tally, political leaders and party workers are gearing up for a long day of close contests and potential surprises.