Guwahati, Sep 14 – Assam Congress president and Jorhat Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi said on Monday that the upcoming Nagaon Lok Sabha by‑poll would be a direct contest between the BJP and the Congress, framing it as a test of whether the ruling party’s alleged “politics of fear” would prevail or voters would show the courage to oppose it.
Speaking to IANS, Gogoi noted that the election would examine whether the BJP’s fear‑based tactics succeed or whether the people of Nagaon will reject intimidation and demand respect as citizens. He expressed confidence that voters would uproot the atmosphere of fear created by the BJP.
The by‑poll has gained importance after the seat was vacated when former Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi resigned from the party and the Lok Sabha earlier this year, joined the BJP, and won the Dispur seat. The BJP has fielded former Nagaon Deputy Commissioner and IAS officer Devasish Sharma, who retired on 3 September, joined the party on 8 September, and was named its candidate on 11 September.
The Congress has questioned the timing of Sharma’s retirement and entry into politics, citing his previous role as Nagaon District Commissioner and District Election Officer. Congress MP Rakibul Hussain has requested scrutiny of decisions taken during Sharma’s tenure. The BJP maintains that there was nothing improper about a voluntary retirement leading to a political candidacy. The by‑election, scheduled for 6 October with counting on 9 October, is seen as a referendum on the BJP government’s style of politics and a chance for the Congress to retain a seat it held in 2019 and 2024.
