Devasish Sharma has received a strong vote of confidence from Assam minister Pijush Hazarika, who has predicted that the BJP candidate will win the upcoming Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll by a huge margin. Hazarika said the party was receiving a positive response from voters across the constituency.
The minister’s remarks come as political activity intensifies ahead of the October 6 bypoll. The contest has gained further attention after the Congress named former Batadrava MLA Sibamoni Bora as its candidate on September 14.
Devasish Sharma gets BJP confidence
Hazarika said the response to the BJP campaign indicated growing support for Devasish Sharma. He also maintained that the party was in a strong position despite Nagaon not traditionally being regarded as a BJP stronghold.
The minister’s prediction is significant because the bypoll is expected to test the BJP’s ability to expand its support in a politically competitive parliamentary constituency. However, the final result will depend on voter turnout, campaign momentum and the performance of all candidates.
Hazarika also criticised the Congress over the delay in announcing its candidate. At the time of his remarks, the BJP had already formally nominated Sharma for the seat.
Devasish Sharma enters electoral contest
Devasish Sharma is a former IAS officer who served as Nagaon deputy commissioner before taking voluntary retirement from government service on September 3. He joined the BJP on September 8 and was named the party’s candidate three days later.
His transition from administration to electoral politics has become one of the main talking points of the Nagaon contest. BJP leaders have highlighted his administrative experience and public service background as important strengths.
The party has also pointed to Sharma’s long involvement in social work. He is associated with Deepsikha, an organisation working with cancer patients, and has been involved in cancer-awareness initiatives in Assam.
Nagaon contest takes shape
The Nagaon bypoll was necessitated after former Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi resigned from the Lok Sabha and joined the BJP before the Assam Assembly elections. Bordoloi later won the Dispur Assembly seat on a BJP ticket.
The Congress has now chosen former Batadrava MLA Sibamoni Bora to challenge Devasish Sharma. The Trinamool Congress has also nominated Abdul Salam, while AIUDF has announced Rejaul Karim Sarkar, adding to the opposition challenge.
Therefore, the election is shaping up as a multi-cornered contest. The distribution of votes among the opposition parties could become an important factor as campaigning progresses.
Devasish Sharma faces a key electoral test
Although BJP leaders are confident about Devasish Sharma, the constituency presents a serious electoral test. Nagaon has historically seen strong competition, and the BJP will need to convert its organisational activity into votes.
Recent political developments have added momentum to the BJP campaign. More than 1,000 Congress workers reportedly joined the BJP at a programme in Rupahi in Samaguri on September 13. Hazarika cited such developments as evidence of growing support for the party.
Meanwhile, Congress will seek to consolidate its traditional support base under Sibamoni Bora. The party’s candidate selection has now given its campaign a clear direction.
Devasish Sharma campaign enters crucial phase
For Devasish Sharma, the coming weeks will be crucial. The former bureaucrat must now translate his administrative profile and BJP backing into electoral support across a diverse constituency.
The Election Commission schedule provides a short campaign window. Nominations are scheduled to begin on September 16, scrutiny will take place on September 17, and candidates can withdraw until September 19. Voting will be held on October 6, with counting scheduled for October 9.
Overall, Hazarika’s prediction of a huge victory reflects the BJP’s confidence before polling. However, the final verdict will be decided by voters. The Nagaon bypoll will show whether Devasish Sharma can turn the BJP’s current campaign momentum into a decisive electoral win.
Tripura Women’s Products Featured in IndiGo In-Flight Magazine