Guwahati, September 15 (Daily Kiran) : The All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) has officially announced Badaruddin Ajmal, the party chief and sitting MLA from Binakandi, as its candidate for the upcoming Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election scheduled for October 6. This development has set the stage for a competitive triangular contest among the AIUDF, BJP, and Congress.
Ajmal’s candidacy was revealed just a day before the nomination deadline on September 16, putting an end to speculation regarding the party’s choice for this high-stakes election. Initially, the AIUDF hinted that Rezaul Karim could be their candidate, but ultimately decided to field Ajmal directly.
The BJP has nominated Debashish Sharma, a former IAS officer who transitioned to active politics after taking voluntary retirement from government service. Sharma joined the BJP on September 8.
Meanwhile, the Congress has put forward Shibmoni Bora, a former MLA from Batadroba, as its candidate. With all three main contenders now in the race, a fierce battle is anticipated in Nagaon. The distribution of votes and the consolidation of traditional opposition support will be crucial factors in the election.
The decision to field Ajmal is significant for the AIUDF, given his political stature and the party’s strong presence among certain voter demographics in Assam. His candidacy could alter the electoral dynamics for both the BJP and Congress, especially if the contest becomes sharply polarized.
For Congress, Ajmal’s entry poses an additional challenge as the party aims to retain the seat it has won in the last two Lok Sabha elections. Bora’s nomination aims to present a familiar political face to voters in the Nagaon-Batadroba region.
On the other hand, the BJP is keen to strengthen its influence in an area historically dominated by Congress. Sharma’s administrative background as a former civil servant and his local connections could play a pivotal role in the BJP’s campaign strategy.
This by-election became necessary after Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi vacated the Nagaon seat to join the BJP ahead of the 2026 Assam Assembly elections. The deadline for nominations is September 16, with candidates able to withdraw their nominations until September 19.
Voting is set for October 6, and the counting of ballots will take place on October 9. The results are expected to provide significant insights into the political landscape of central Assam ahead of the 2029 general elections, making Nagaon one of the most closely watched electoral contests in the state.
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