Digboi: As the Assam Assembly elections approach, political activities have increased across the state, including in the 53rd Laharighat Assembly constituency. Party workers have stepped up outreach efforts at the grassroots level, and several aspirants are seeking party nominations.
Political discussions are taking place in public spaces such as markets and village meetings.
A key issue in the constituency is whether the Congress will renominate sitting MLA Asif Mohammad Nazar.
Although the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) is not seeking the Congress ticket in Laharighat, multiple individuals are reportedly aspiring for the nomination. Some supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are also said to be interested in contesting on a Congress ticket.
Laharighat has a history of representation by members of the same family. The late Nazrul Islam represented the constituency for 25 years and served as a minister in the cabinet of former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi. Before him, his elder brother, Abul Kasem, served as MLA for 17 years.
After Nazrul Islam’s death, his son, Asif Mohammad Nazar, entered politics and has represented the constituency for the past five years.
Several other aspirants, including Faridul Hussain, Emdad Hussain, and Nekibur Bahman Hazarika, have been conducting outreach programmes across different panchayats in the constituency and are seeking consideration from the Congress leadership.
Recent delimitation has altered the constituency’s structure. The number of gram panchayats has increased from 24 to 30. New areas from neighboring constituencies, including Morigaon, Jagiroad, and Batdwara, have been incorporated into Laharighat. Portions of several panchayats have also been merged.
According to available data, the electorate now exceeds three lakh voters, including more than 1.59 lakh male voters, nearly 1.5 lakh female voters, and a small number of third-gender voters.
Development issues, including flood control and erosion caused by the Brahmaputra River, remain key concerns among residents. Government data indicates that erosion has declined in recent years and that flood intensity has reduced following preventive measures. Protection works are ongoing, and improvements in road connectivity and agricultural activity in rural and char areas have been reported.
The constituency has previously witnessed internal party disagreements over candidate selection. In 1985, when Abul Kasem was not given a Congress ticket, divisions were reported within the party. Similar situations occurred during later leadership transitions.
During the current election season, various public gatherings have also featured discussions on broader national issues. At one event, speakers urged the Central Government to declare India a Hindu state. Separately, Martyrs’ Day was observed in the region, with speakers highlighting the importance of remembering the contributions of national martyrs.
The Congress party has yet to announce its candidate for Laharighat. The decision is expected to influence the political dynamics of the constituency in the upcoming election.
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