Guwahati: In a significant political move, Sarbananda Sonowal, former Chief Minister of Assam and the current Union Minister for Shipping, Ports, and Ayush, has been announced as the BJP’s candidate for the Dibrugarh parliamentary constituency in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha election. This revelation came as part of the BJP’s initial list of 195 candidates for the general election, setting the stage for a crucial electoral battle.
Sarbananda Sonowal, hailing from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community, has a political history tied to Dibrugarh. He was elected from this constituency in 2004, marking a return to his political roots. This move sees Sonowal stepping into the candidacy role previously held by Minister of State for Petroleum, Rameswar Teli. The BJP’s strategic reshuffling of candidates also includes Tea tribe leader Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, who has been nominated for the Kaziranga constituency.
The BJP’s candidate lineup further unfolds with the nomination of Bijul Kalita Medhi for the Guwahati parliamentary constituency, introducing a fresh face to represent the party in this key area. However, the party remains steadfast in its support for incumbent MPs, with Tapan Goigoi (Jorhat), Dilip Saikia (Darang Mongoldoi), and Kripa Nath Malla (Karimganj) seeking re-election.
Assam cabinet minister Porimal Suklabaidy is set to represent the party in the Silchar constituency, reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC), situated in the culturally rich Barak valley. Former state president Ranjit Dutta assumes the BJP candidate for Sonitpur, bringing his experience and leadership to the forefront. Additionally, Suresh Bora is slated to contest from Nagaon, while Amar Singh Tisso is set to represent the party in the Diphu Parliamentary constituency.
As the BJP allocates candidates for 11 out of the 14 seats in Assam, strategic alliances come into play. The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) secures 2 seats (Dhubri and Barpeta), while the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) is granted 1 seat (Kokrajhar). This distribution reflects the collaborative efforts among these political entities as they gear up for the impending electoral contest.
Meanwhile, Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has injected another layer of complexity into the political landscape by urging the Election Commission to schedule the Lok Sabha polls in the state before the commencement of the Bihu festival in mid-April. CM Sarma argued that holding elections during this festive period might not align well with the celebratory spirit, potentially influencing voter turnout.
In a proactive move, the Chief Minister revealed that the state government had already communicated this request to the Election Commission. Furthermore, a team from the Election Commission is scheduled to visit Assam on March 5, providing an opportunity for the state administration to reiterate its preference for concluding the election before the onset of Bihu.
CM Sarma emphasized that during the Bihu celebration, the people of Assam immerse themselves in a festive mood, making it less conducive for political activities. He stated, “All the talks about BJP or Congress do not match well with the Bihu atmosphere,” underscoring the unique cultural context within which these elections are taking place.
As the political stage takes shape in Assam, the interplay between candidate selections, strategic alliances, and the cultural calendar adds complexity to an already dynamic electoral landscape. The upcoming Lok Sabha election in the state promises to be a closely watched and intricately woven tapestry of political manoeuvring and cultural considerations.
