Nagaon by-poll preparations have gained fresh political momentum in Assam after 11 Lahorighat Regional Panchayat members resigned from the Congress and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The defections are being viewed as a setback for the Congress and a boost to the BJP’s grassroots organisation ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha by-election.
The development comes at a crucial stage of preparations for the Nagaon seat, where both major parties have stepped up organisational activities. The shift in political allegiance in Lahorighat could add another layer to an already closely watched contest.
Congress faces setback in Lahorighat
The 11 Regional Panchayat members reportedly left the Congress citing dissatisfaction with the functioning and leadership of Lahorighat MLA Dr Asif Mohammad Nazar. They subsequently joined the BJP, strengthening the ruling party’s local network in an important assembly segment of the Nagaon parliamentary constituency.
According to reports, grievances against the MLA’s leadership were among the reasons given by the departing representatives for their decision. The move could make it more challenging for Congress to maintain its organisational cohesion in the area as the election campaign gathers pace.
For the BJP, the entry of elected grassroots representatives provides an opportunity to expand its presence among local political workers and voters. The party is expected to use the development to reinforce its campaign structure in Lahorighat.
Nagaon by-poll enters a competitive phase
The latest defections come against the backdrop of a rapidly changing political environment in the constituency. The Nagaon Lok Sabha seat fell vacant after former Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi resigned from the party and later joined the BJP. He subsequently contested the Assam Assembly election from the BJP and won the Dispur seat.
Bordoloi had represented Nagaon in the Lok Sabha in both 2019 and 2024. His departure from Congress created the vacancy that has triggered the current by-election and significantly altered the political equation in the constituency.
The Congress has since begun the process of selecting its candidate. The party had invited applications from aspirants for the Nagaon seat, while several names have been discussed within the opposition camp.
The BJP, meanwhile, is also working to finalise its strategy. Former Nagaon deputy commissioner Devasish Sharma recently took voluntary retirement from the Indian Administrative Service, amid speculation that he could be considered for the BJP ticket. Congress has raised concerns over the possibility, seeking Election Commission intervention and an inquiry into his tenure as district commissioner. The BJP has maintained that its candidate-selection process follows established procedures.
Lahorighat remains important for the contest
Lahorighat is one of the assembly segments forming part of the Nagaon parliamentary constituency. The area has historically been a stronghold for Congress, making the recent movement of local representatives particularly significant.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha election, Congress candidate Pradyut Bordoloi recorded a substantial lead in the Lahorighat segment. Data from the 2026 Assembly election also showed Congress retaining a strong presence in the constituency, although the BJP has continued efforts to expand its support base.
The entry of the 11 Regional Panchayat members therefore comes at a politically sensitive time. While the defections do not by themselves determine the outcome of an election, they could influence local campaign networks, mobilisation and perceptions among voters.
Opposition unity also faces pressure
The Nagaon by-poll is also being shaped by differences within the opposition. On September 3, the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee ended its political alliance with Akhil Gogoi-led Raijor Dal, citing alleged violations of alliance norms and what it described as malicious propaganda and character assassination.
The disagreement emerged partly over the Nagaon contest. Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi had questioned Congress’s position on the by-election and warned about the possibility of a Congress candidate later moving to the BJP.
The breakdown of the alliance could complicate efforts to consolidate anti-BJP votes. It also comes at a time when Congress is facing organisational challenges following a series of senior-level defections in Assam.
For the BJP, the developments provide an opportunity to present itself as the stronger organisational force. However, the final electoral impact will depend on candidate selection, campaign strategy and voter turnout.
BJP seeks grassroots advantage
The entry of the Lahorighat representatives gives the BJP additional local-level support as campaigning intensifies. Grassroots leaders can play an important role in connecting party organisations with voters, particularly in constituency-level mobilisation.
For Congress, the immediate priority will be to contain the impact of the defections and strengthen its local organisation. The party will also need to manage internal differences while selecting a candidate capable of consolidating its traditional support base.
With the Nagaon by-poll approaching, political activity is expected to increase further. Candidate announcements, campaign alliances and local-level mobilisation are likely to become central to the contest in the coming days.
The latest defections underline the fluid nature of Assam’s electoral politics. While the BJP has gained a visible organisational boost in Lahorighat, Congress retains an established support base in the area. The by-election is therefore shaping up as a closely watched contest in which grassroots mobilisation could prove important.
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