Nagaon bypoll has entered a tense phase after Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using criminals and intimidation to influence the electoral process.
Gogoi made the allegation on September 21 after a Congress convoy allegedly came under a stone attack in Samaguri while travelling to a campaign meeting. Congress leaders approached the police, while authorities continued to examine the circumstances behind the confrontation.
Gogoi targets BJP over alleged intimidation
Gogoi accused the BJP of relying on what he called “goons” because, according to him, the party could not win the Nagaon contest through a normal political campaign. He also accused the BJP of trying to “steal” votes through violence and intimidation.
Gogoi made the remarks after the reported attack on a Congress convoy carrying several senior leaders. The group included Gogoi, Congress candidate Sibamoni Bora, Dhubri MP Rakibul Hussain and other party workers.
The Congress has linked the incident to its allegations of political intimidation. However, the allegations remain claims made by the party and have not been independently established.
The Assam Tribune reported that security forces used a lathi charge to disperse a crowd after the confrontation. The report also said protesters threw stones at CRPF personnel.
Congress leader Mira Borthakur later filed a complaint at Nagaon Sadar Police Station. She sought action against those allegedly involved in the incident.
Samaguri clash raises election security concerns
The reported violence has added another flashpoint to the Nagaon bypoll campaign. According to The Assam Tribune, the Congress convoy travelled towards a public meeting at Barma in Samaguri when a crowd allegedly threw stones at the vehicles.
Congress leaders claimed that the attack injured party workers and damaged vehicles. However, authorities had yet to establish the full circumstances, extent of injuries and responsibility for the incident in reports published after the confrontation.
The latest clash also brings renewed attention to Samaguri’s history of political confrontation.
During the 2024 Samaguri Assembly bypoll campaign, BJP and Congress supporters clashed at different points. Police also registered cases against eight BJP workers following one such incident.
The latest confrontation could therefore increase pressure on political parties and authorities to maintain peace as campaigning intensifies.
Nagaon bypoll draws a multi-cornered contest
The Nagaon bypoll will take place on October 6, with counting scheduled for October 9. The Election Commission announced the schedule after the seat fell vacant following former Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi’s resignation.
Bordoloi later joined the BJP and won the Dispur Assembly seat.
The BJP has fielded former Nagaon Deputy Commissioner Devashish Sharma. Congress has nominated former Batadrava MLA Sibamoni Bora. AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal is also contesting the seat.
Trinamool Congress, meanwhile, withdrew from the contest on September 19.
The constituency initially saw 25 candidates file nomination papers. The withdrawal process has since narrowed the field, leaving voters with a multi-cornered contest rather than a straightforward BJP-Congress battle.
Political allegations intensify campaign
The latest confrontation adds to a campaign already marked by sharp exchanges between the BJP and Congress.
Gogoi has repeatedly attacked the BJP during his Nagaon campaign. He earlier alleged that the BJP sought the support of AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal. That claim has also formed part of the political debate around the bypoll.
Congress has separately questioned Sharma’s candidature because he previously served as Nagaon deputy commissioner and district election officer. The BJP has defended his candidature and described him as a capable candidate.
These disputes have placed campaign conduct, administrative neutrality and election security at the centre of the contest.
However, political allegations do not establish wrongdoing. Police investigations, election authorities and courts will determine whether any laws were violated.
Nagaon bypoll enters a crucial campaign phase
The latest incident has shifted attention towards security and campaign conduct ahead of polling. Congress has demanded action over the alleged attack, while authorities must establish the facts surrounding the confrontation.
The Nagaon bypoll campaign will now face greater scrutiny as the main contenders step up their outreach. Political parties will seek to mobilise voters, while law enforcement agencies will have to manage campaign events and respond to complaints.
Ultimately, voters will decide the result on October 6. Until then, the focus will remain on whether the parties can campaign without further clashes and whether authorities can address allegations through due process.
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