Scrutiny of nomination papers for the upcoming Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election has been completed, with 18 of the 25 candidates found eligible to contest, clearing the way for the next phase of the electoral process.
According to the office of the Chief Election Officer, the nominations of major contenders, including BJP candidate Devasish Sharma, AIUDF chief and candidate Badruddin Ajmal, and Congress nominee Sibamoni Bora, have been declared valid.
Candidates have until September 19 to withdraw their nominations, after which the final list of contestants will be published.
As campaigning gathers momentum, issues such as unemployment, development, and minority welfare have emerged as key topics in the constituency.
AIUDF candidate Badruddin Ajmal said several concerns affecting residents, particularly economically weaker sections, need urgent attention.
“There are many issues that need to be addressed. Poor people need support and opportunities. Now that I am in the contest, people will see positive changes in the coming days. Many minority voters who were earlier elsewhere are now supporting us,” Ajmal said.
Congress candidate Sibamoni Bora alleged that people were being intimidated to support the BJP.
“People are being threatened with police action and legal cases if they do not support the BJP. Such practices are creating fear among voters,” Bora claimed.
She also questioned the BJP’s outreach to minority communities, alleging a contradiction between the party’s public statements and its campaign activities in minority-dominated areas.
BJP candidate Devasish Sharma, however, expressed confidence in the electorate, saying voters are fully aware of the constituency’s challenges and priorities.
“The people know the issues facing Nagaon. Unemployment remains one of the biggest concerns, and our responsibility is to ensure development and create opportunities for the youth. Our focus is on empowering the younger generation,” Sharma said.
In a significant political development ahead of the by-election, the Assam Pradesh Trinamool Congress (APTC) announced that it will not contest the election.
In a statement issued on Friday, APTC State Convenor and MLA Sherman Ali said the party was protesting what it described as the “undemocratic” and “unjust” freezing of the Trinamool Congress name and election symbol.
Ali said the party fully supports the decision of Trinamool Congress chairperson Mamata Banerjee and expressed disappointment over the temporary suspension of the party’s name and electoral symbol for the bypoll.
Describing the move as unfair and against democratic principles, he said the party had decided to stay away from the electoral contest as a mark of protest.
The APTC also criticized the Election Commission, alleging that the decision undermines democratic values and has not only affected the party but also insulted the people of Assam.
The decision marks a notable shift in the political landscape ahead of the Nagaon by-election, with the Trinamool Congress choosing to register its protest by abstaining from the contest.
With scrutiny completed, candidates can withdraw their nominations until September 19. Polling for the Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election is scheduled for October 6, while the counting of votes will take place on October 9.
