Congress Alleges “Secret Pact” Between BJP and AIUDF Ahead of Nagaon Bypoll

Guwahati: As the political temperature rises in Assam ahead of the October 6 Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll, the Congress party has launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing the ruling coalition of entering into a strategic alliance with the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) to sabotage the opposition’s prospects.

Assam Pradesh Congress Committee President Gaurav Gogoi expressed strong confidence in his party’s victory, asserting that the candidacy of former MLA Sibamoni Bora has sent shockwaves through the BJP camp. According to Gogoi, the ruling party’s panic has forced them to leverage their “trusted political ally,” the AIUDF, to manipulate the electoral math.

The “Allied” Strategy

Gogoi highlighted a peculiar shift in the AIUDF’s campaign strategy. He noted that the party had initially signaled support for another candidate who had already been actively canvassing in the constituency. However, the situation changed dramatically when AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal himself decided to enter the fray.

“The BJP realized that the Congress had put up a formidable candidate in Sibamoni Bora, a seasoned woman leader with a distinguished record in public service,” Gogoi stated. “Fearing an outright loss, they turned to Badruddin Ajmal, who is effectively functioning as a tool for Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to divide the anti-BJP vote.”

Despite the inclusion of the AIUDF in the contest, the Congress maintains that the BJP remains their primary challenger in the upcoming by-election.

Controversy Over Candidate Background

The BJP has fielded former IAS officer Devasish Sharma for the Nagaon seat. Sharma, who served as the Nagaon District Commissioner, opted for voluntary retirement earlier this month and officially joined the BJP on September 8. His swift transition from the administrative machinery to the electoral battlefield has drawn sharp criticism from the Congress.

Gogoi raised serious questions regarding the neutrality of the electoral process, pointing out that Sharma was directly involved in the administrative preparations for the very bypoll he is now contesting. “How can an officer responsible for the logistics and preparation of an election suddenly step down and become a candidate in the same contest?” Gogoi questioned.

Demand for Neutrality

Drawing a sharp contrast with electoral practices in other states, the Congress leader pointed out that officials such as Returning Officers and District Collectors are typically transferred well ahead of polls to ensure impartiality.

“In states like West Bengal, there are clear precedents where election-related officials are rotated to maintain the integrity of the process. Why is Assam being treated differently?” Gogoi asked. He has formally called upon the Election Commission of India to take cognizance of these concerns and ensure that the administrative machinery remains transparent and neutral throughout the voting process.

The Nagaon seat fell vacant following the resignation of Pradyut Bordoloi, who had secured the seat for the Congress in both the 2019 and 2024 general elections before switching sides to join the BJP. With the stakes high for both the state government and the opposition, the result of the October 6 poll, expected on October 9, is being closely watched as a bellwether for the shifting political alliances in the region.

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