Political tensions have increased in Assam as campaigning intensifies for the Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election. A confrontation between BJP and Congress supporters in Samaguri has added to concerns over campaign-related clashes.
The incident took place in Barma during a Congress campaign on September 21. A Congress convoy carrying senior leaders came under alleged stone-pelting. Police and security forces intervened to control the situation.
Congress Convoy Faces Stone-Pelting
The Congress convoy was travelling towards an election meeting in the Samaguri area. Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi, MP Rakibul Hussain and party candidate Sibamoni Bora were among those travelling in the convoy.
According to reports, BJP supporters allegedly waved black flags and raised “Go Back” slogans. Stones were then reportedly thrown at vehicles in the convoy.
Police and paramilitary personnel reached the area after the confrontation began. The security forces worked to disperse the crowd and restore order.
The exact sequence of events remains under investigation. Police have yet to establish responsibility for the alleged stone-pelting.
Journalists Also Reportedly Attacked
The confrontation also affected journalists covering the campaign. Two media workers reportedly suffered injuries during the incident.
Journalists later staged a road blockade. They demanded action against those responsible for the alleged assault.
Congress leaders also approached the Nagaon Sadar Police Station. They sought action against those allegedly involved in the incident.
Authorities have not yet provided a final account of the incident. Further investigation will determine the circumstances and responsibility.
Congress Accuses BJP Supporters
Congress leaders blamed BJP supporters for the confrontation. Party leaders alleged that the incident aimed to disrupt their campaign.
Assam Congress leaders criticised the state government over the incident. Gaurav Gogoi and Rakibul Hussain also raised concerns about the safety of party workers and campaigners.
Congress leaders have called for action against those responsible. Their statements came as campaigning entered a more active phase in the constituency.
These allegations remain claims by the Congress. The BJP’s position and the findings of the police investigation will remain important in establishing the full picture.
BJP and Congress Face Off in Nagaon
The Nagaon bypoll has brought BJP and Congress into a direct political contest. The BJP has fielded former Nagaon district commissioner Devasish Sharma.
Congress has nominated Sibamoni Bora. The contest also includes AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal and other candidates.
The election became necessary after former Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi resigned from the Lok Sabha seat. He later joined the BJP.
The constituency has therefore become an important focus of Assam politics.
Multi-Cornered Contest Takes Shape
The Nagaon election has attracted candidates from several political parties. BJP, Congress, AIUDF and the Trinamool Congress initially fielded candidates.
The TMC later withdrew its candidate Abdul Salam. After the withdrawal of three candidates, 15 candidates remained in the contest, according to reports.
AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal is also contesting the seat. Ajmal is a three-time former Lok Sabha member and currently represents Binnakandi in the Assam Assembly.
The presence of several parties has added to the political activity across the constituency.
BJP Intensifies Campaign
The BJP has stepped up its campaign for Devasish Sharma. The party has received organisational support from its alliance partner, the Asom Gana Parishad.
AGP leaders held organisational meetings across the constituency. The party said its workers would support the BJP candidate during the campaign.
Sharma also began campaigning across different parts of Nagaon. His campaign has focused on several assembly segments within the parliamentary constituency.
The BJP has also highlighted its development agenda during the campaign.
Congress Steps Up Outreach
Congress has also increased its campaign activity. Senior state leaders have joined campaign programmes in support of Sibamoni Bora.
Gaurav Gogoi and Rakibul Hussain have taken part in public meetings and campaign events. The party has focused on local issues and its political message ahead of polling.
The recent confrontation has added another issue to the campaign. Congress has demanded action over the alleged attack on its convoy.
Earlier Clashes Add to Concerns
The latest incident has also revived memories of political clashes in Samaguri. The area witnessed confrontations during the 2024 Assam Assembly by-election.
At that time, BJP and Congress supporters clashed during campaigning. Reports also mentioned allegations of stone-pelting and gunfire.
The BJP later won the Samaguri Assembly seat. Diplu Ranjan Sarma defeated Congress candidate Tanzil Hussain by around 24,500 votes.
The latest confrontation has therefore drawn attention to campaign security in the region.
Voting Scheduled for October 6
The Election Commission has scheduled polling for October 6, 2026. Vote counting will take place on October 9.
The campaign will continue until the deadline set by the election authorities. Political parties are expected to hold more rallies and public meetings across the constituency.
Security arrangements will remain important as campaigning continues. Authorities will also face pressure to ensure peaceful political activity.
Focus on Peaceful Campaigning
The recent confrontation has highlighted the need for restraint among political workers and supporters. Election campaigns involve competing political views and intense public activity.
However, campaign events also require proper security arrangements. Political parties and authorities must ensure that candidates, workers, journalists and voters can participate safely.
The Nagaon bypoll remains a closely watched political event in Assam. With polling day approaching, the focus will remain on campaigning, security and the conduct of the election.
The final outcome will depend on the votes cast by the people of Nagaon. Until then, political parties are continuing their efforts to reach voters across the constituency.