"Even Salt looks like Sugar" :::::: Corporate Insurgency .... !! Gift of 'Kohima' .... an offshoot of Bolero Politics ::: The theory "Money can Manage everything" :::: well, it managed since 2003 .... but now .... the spirit of "Na hobo toh" !!!

"There is one key similarity between these events (Arab Sring) and the ongoing churning in Ukhrul district: corruption among leaders who, as freedom fighters, are not expected to indulge in self-enrichment," writes 

Ngaranmi Shimray in 'East Mojo' website.

Web link here ---

As it came from a son of the soil; the chances of blaming 'plain manu' or Govt of India is less. 

(Well, as Bob Dylan observed in his song 'The Times They Are a-Changin’ -- TIMES do not remain static.)

Bolero rides cannot ignore these !!

Mao Zedong famously compared guerrilla fighters to fish and the people to water, signifying that a revolutionary army can only survive and thrive with the support of the local population, writes Shimray. 

But it ought to be pointed out that the Bolero culture does not go well with Fish or Water. It's good for the roads - bumpy and jumpy.

One Bolero fan legislator has complained more money should be given to Nagaland and even Dhubri district in Assam gets more money. The 'planted statement' had Cockly-signature. 

New Delhi has realised.  A refrain has already developed among mandarins that Ram Madhav had done more damage to the entire show compared to what Sushilkumar Shinde could have done in 1993 when he 'helped' Shri S C Jamir in more ways than one. 

Talking about leadership, people talk of Lal Bahadur Shastri with more respect than in comparison to a PM of 10 years stint Manmohan Singh. Shastri was PM between June 9, 1964 and January 11, 1966 -- just about 20 months.

Hence; a longer stint in office does not decide the legacy a leader would leave. The Cock does not understand this; or was it a case of being 'globally' hijacked ? 

The Corruption as a snake could not be kept in the backyards --- covered up by false bravado of taking on the mighty Team Modi. 

In Pakistan, Hillary Clinton had warned of snakes. It was meant to bite the neighbours and see 2026. In the Naga context - the Corruption was to be lived in denial. 

Plant a soldier in between -- who would say the Govt of India does not give enough. There would be misguided young protagonists who would sing "India Loves Patna" or 'No chance for V Taram'. 

These are not issues of 2026 Nagaland or Naga areas. But for Bolero entrepreneurs such gimmicks did miracle.

Lal Bahadur Shastri 

 

 On the latest gunfight in Manipur, Shimray writes - 

"The conflict reportedly arose over control of cross-border smuggling, allegedly benefiting certain influential individuals who denied involvement, even as an NSCN commander claimed he had been ordered by higher authorities to carry out the shooting."  

He raises pertinent issues. But only a few months back; on social media pro-Cock (or pro-Globe) characters were busy discrediting some small-time bloggers in Delhi. The idea was 'old' -- shoot the messenger.

Paradoxically, such anti-blogger team had characters from Manipur also. One stands vindicated.  

Shimray shares my sentiment: "Social media is a powerful force. 

It played a significant role in the Arab Spring. The 2010–2011 Tunisian Revolution, also known as the Jasmine Revolution, began with Mohamed Bouazizi’s self-immolation in December 2010 in protest against police brutality, unemployment, and corruption." 

Shimray seems to have done his analyses quite candidly and in details:

"Lavish weddings rivaling or exceeding those of politicians have become more common. This raises an obvious question: where does the money come from?

The public may tolerate corruption among elected representatives, but freedom fighters are viewed differently. 

They are seen as individuals who sacrificed comfort and safety for a larger cause. he notes. 

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the BJP-led NDA "identified operations" involving at least 299 accused persons, including 76 Chinese entities, in money laundering schemes worth Rs 455.37-Rs 500 crore. Sources say these operations "utilize shell companies" with dummy directors and multiple bank accounts to layer transactions and conceal the origin of funds. 

The story goes this way -- All insurgent factions -- including the 'most potent' as claimed by both sides - insurgents as well as Delhi - could sustain the operations through a well-organized, large-scale system of illegal taxation. 

One such eminent group with support system in Kohima and yet throwing up hurdles before peace negotiators have (had) annual budget through extortion and allied activities -- estimated between Rs 200 to Rs 250 and at times even Rs 300 crore per year. There are also formal “budget sessions” and levies are fixed through a modern budgeting process. 

Shimray again notes -- "....when they (underground leaders) are seen engaging in corrupt practices or flaunting wealth, their standing in society diminishes.

This contrast is further highlighted by the common observation that privately owned high-end SUVs are often associated either with politicians or senior members of such groups.

People openly discuss the business interests of various leaders and the educational institutions their children attend. Allegations of involvement in cross-border trade and smuggling are widely circulated."  

In the end the pinnacle of one's success and palatial buildings and Bolero SuVs mean nothing. 

But let me end the piece with what our friend Shimray says: 

"Extortion has become intolerable, and the prevailing environment discourages young, educated individuals from pursuing entrepreneurial ambitions. There is a growing demand to conclude the peace talks ...".

ends 

"India - the only country to have lost mariners in attacks on merchant shipping in Gulf," -- Foreign Secy Misri at UK-hosted meet of 60 countries

Foreign Secretary’s participation in the meeting hosted by UK on the situation in West Asia (April 02, 2026)

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri represented India at a meeting convened by the UK Foreign Secretary on the situation in West Asia. 

More than 60 countries participated in the meeting.

In his remarks at the meeting, the Foreign Secretary noted the importance of the principles of freedom of navigation and unimpeded transit through international waterways. 

He emphasised the impact of the crisis on India’s energy security and the fact that India remains the only country to have lost mariners in attacks on merchant shipping in the Gulf. 

He also underlined that the way out of the crisis consisted of de-escalation and a return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue among all concerned parties. 

Of course, India is simultaneously engaging regional players, including Iran, to keep shipping lanes open. 

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri represented India at the virtual gathering, which was attended by more than 60 countries. The foreign secretary reiterated India's official stance about diplomacy being the most viable path for resolution of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The UK-led meeting came as countries stepped up coordination to ensure stability in one of the world’s most vital energy corridors.  

"We are in touch with Iran and other countries there to see how best we can get unimpeded transit and safe transit for our ships," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal has said ahead of the summit. 

**

The French president, Emmanuel Macron, has hit out at Donald Trump, saying he was undermining Nato by creating “daily doubt about his commitment” to the alliance.

The US president, in interviews to various media yesterday, made disparaging comments about Nato, calling it a “paper tiger” and threatening to pull the US out of it. 

Macron warned that Trump’s comments questioning the US commitment to the alliance “erode its very substance” as he urged leaders to “be serious”.

“I believe that organisations and alliances like Nato are defined by what is left unsaid – that is, the trust that underpins them, and that has often been the case, incidentally, with military and strategic matters,” he said durinng a state visit to Seoul in South Korea.  “If you cast doubt on your commitment every day, you erode its very substance.”

"Supreme Court has ripped the mask off Mamata Banerjee" - says Mahesh Jethmalani :: Amit Shah to stay put in West Bengal for 15 days for campaign

Referring to the strong observations made by Supreme Court against the TMC Govt in West Bengal, senior counsel and former MP Mahesh Jethmalani has said that -- 

"That is not just a judicial rebuke. It is an X-ray of Mamata Banerjee’s Bengal, where everything is politicised, institutions are pressured, and even judges cannot do election-related duty without the street being weaponised against them." 

 

In a statement, he said:

"Seven judicial officers were gheraoed for hours in Malda during voter-roll revision work; the officers’ vehicles were attacked with stone-pelting and sticks. 

The Supreme Court has now called it what it is: a “brazen attempt” to browbeat judges, a “calculated” and “well-planned” move to demoralise them, and proof of the “complete failure” of Bengal’s civil and police administration." 

CJI Surya Kant’s remark cut to the bone: “In your state, each one of you speaks political language… We have never seen such a polarised state.”  

The Supreme Court called the incident pre-planned and motivated while directing the Election Commission to entrust the probe to either the NIA or CBI.

Seven judicial officers including three women involved in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in poll-bound West Bengal were gheraoed for around nine hours in Malda district. 

The top court has issued show-cause notices to senior State officials, including the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, and Director General of Police, for their inaction.  

epitome of Double Standards 

"The Supreme Court has not treated this as some random local flare-up either. It has ordered central-force protection for judicial officers, directed the Election Commission to get the incident probed by an independent agency such as the CBI or NIA with a preliminary report directly to the Court, sought explanations from top state officials, and tightened access at hearing sites so mobs cannot overwhelm the process again. 

Why is all this happening in Bengal? Because TMC knows 2026 is not unfolding on the old script. 

"Once a ruling party starts sensing slippage, voter-list scrutiny becomes dangerous to its ecosystem, officials become targets, and street intimidation becomes a substitute for political confidence. This is not governance. This is pre-election desperation.

That is why the Supreme Court’s words matter so much. The Court has effectively said this was not a spontaneous outburst but a calculated assault on the electoral process and on judicial authority itself. 

This is the real state of Mamata’s West Bengal: when defeat looms, law and order becomes negotiable, institutions are left exposed, and the street is used as political muscle. The Supreme Court has now seen through it. The country should too. And of course, the state of West Bengal," the senior counsel said. 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Thursday that he will remain in the state for 15 days for the election campaign of the BJP. 

He made the remarks while addressing a gathering during a Roadshow at Bhawanipore where BJP's Suvendu Adhikari is taking on Mamata Banerjee.

In 2021, the chief minister was defeated by Suvendu at Nandigram. Adhikari is contesting this time from both Bhawanipore and Nandigram.

Shah accompanied party leader Suvendu Adhikari and Swapan Dasgupta and two others in filing the nominations for the ensuing assembly polls. Former journalist Dasgupta is contesting from Rashbehari seat - also a prominent location in South Kolkata. 

"I will remain in West Bengal for 15 days during the election," Shah announced.

"Amit Shah has announced his decision to spend 15 days in Bengal," the TMC said. 

"Stay for as long as you like. And do not miss out on some of our finest delicacies. We highly recommend: 

Muri Ghonto, Pabda Macher Jhal, Ilish Bhapa, Chingri Malai Curry, Bhetki Paturi, and Kosha Mangsho. Have a pleasant stay!" 

This is most unusual and unfriendly manner of welcoming a guest. The TMC leadership is well aware of Amit Shah's food habits and hence to list only non-veg (fish delicacies) show how nervous the Mamata Banerjee-led outfit has turned. 

 Shah told the gathering : "There will be many opportunities to speak with you. Today I have come for the nomination of our candidates, especially Suvendu Adhikari".

He also said: "I know, we will need more than 170 seats to come to power in West Bengal (which has 294 member-assembly). But I will give you a shortcut. The people of Bhawanipore should defeat Mamata Banerjee". 

Shah's remarks are seen by many as a signal to the importance that the saffron party is giving to the two-phase assembly elections in West Bengal. 

In the previous elections in 2021, the BJP became the main opposition in the state, winning 77 seats. This time, the party is hoping end Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's rule, who has been in power since 2011. 

The BJP's best show in Lok Sabha polls was in 2019 when it bagged 18 seats out of 42 while in 2021 assembly polls - the Lotus party had emerged very strong taking the Number of seats to 77 from three in 2016. 

Mamata Banerjee is in power since 2011. Prior to that the Left parties led by the CPI-M were in power. 

The Marxist stalwart Jyoti Basu was in power from 21st June, 1977 to Nov 6, 2020.  

After that Buddhadeb Bhattacharya was chief minister between Nov 6th, 2002 to May 2oth, 2011. 

Last Left Front CM - Buddhadeb Bhattacharya 

ends 

 

Supreme Court pulls up Mamata Govt over 'gheraoing judicial officers' over SIR row for 9 hours

Seven judicial officers, including three women, involved in the SIR process in poll-bound West Bengal were held hostage by a group of protesters over the deletion of names from the electoral rolls. 

A five-year-old child of one of the officers was also inside.

Goondaism at Display : Egiye Bangla

Calling Bengal the "most polarised state", the Supreme Court called the incident pre-planned and motivated while directing the Election Commission to entrust the probe to either the NIA or CBI.

Seven judicial officers involved in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in poll-bound West Bengal were allegedly gheraoed for around nine hours in Malda district, with the Supreme Court expressing concern over the incident and directing the deployment of central forces for their safety.  

The top court has issued show-cause notices to senior State officials, including the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, and Director General of Police, for their inaction.  

A massive protest erupted outside the Kaliachak II Block Development Office (BDO) on Wednesday over the deletion of names from the electoral rolls during the SIR. The protesters first sought a meeting with the judicial officers. However, their request was denied. Around 4 pm, they gheraoed the BDO office, taking the seven judicial officers, including three women, hostage.  

The Election Commission's SIR exercise has become a major flashpoint in the run-up to the Bengal assembly polls. The final voters' list after the SIR process saw over 63 lakh deletions. Another 60 lakh voters were placed "under adjudication".

“We are extremely disappointed to note these developments. Our previous order clearly reflects that judicial officers, who are entrusted with adjudicating the SIR process, must be allowed to perform their duties without fear or obstruction. 

The incident that took place is brazen and strikes at the very root of the rule of law. It amounts to a direct challenge to the authority of the Court. This was not a spontaneous act but appears to be a well-planned and deliberate attempt to demoralise judicial officers and obstruct the ongoing process of adjudication of objections. 

We will not permit any individual or group to take the law into their own hands or to create psychological fear in the minds of judicial officers. 

This conduct undoubtedly amounts to criminal contempt of court. It also exposes the failure of the State administration. 

The conduct of the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, Director General of Police, Collector, and Superintendent of Police is highly deplorable. 

"Accordingly, we issue show-cause notices to them as to why effective measures were not taken. 

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is directed to seek the deployment of central forces to protect the judicial officers. 

Taking cognisance of yesterday’s incident, we further direct that no obstruction or impediment shall be caused to the ongoing adjudication process. 

We reiterate that this Court shall ensure that the life, property, and family members of the judicial officers are duly protected”, the court noted. 

Of course the new chief secretary and DGP were posted by the poll panel only recently after the EC had ordered shunting out of their predecessors -- who were blue-eyed Babus of the Chief Minister.   

West Bengal goes to the polls in two phases on April 23 and April 29. Results will be declared on May 4.

The judicial officers were only rescued after nine hours, at around 1 am, by a police team. The protesters also hurled stones at the police van while the officers were being evacuated.

Visuals on social media showed a car's shattered window glass and angry protesters chasing the police vehicles as the officers were being escorted to safety.

However, the protests escalated and spread to nearby areas as well. A group of protesters also blocked NH 12 with bamboo and furniture. People were also seen burning tyres. Another video showed people cooking on stoves on the street for the protesters, suggesting that they were ready for the long haul.

ends 

God's Own Country - 'Keralam' may take Capitalist Growth Trajectory under CPI-M-led LDF ::::: Manifesto talks about boosting industries, creating jobs, attracting investments and new industrial corridors

A real case of Onno Mallu, 

Are you Mallu ?  The 'capitalist' pledge of the Marxists-led LDF 

On the development front, the LDF manifesto talks about boosting industries, creating jobs, and attracting investments worth Rs 2 lakh crore over five years. New industrial corridors and innovation hubs are also planned.

LDF Pledges Rs 3,000 Pension

It promises to eliminate absolute poverty and increase welfare pensions to Rs 3,000 monthly.

It promises a mix of welfare and development measures aimed at improving people's lives across the state. 

The document was released by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. 

The highlights of the manifesto include a commitment to eliminate absolute poverty in the state, a hike in welfare pensions to Rs 3,000 per month, and efforts to ensure proper healthcare and support systems at the local level.

The Left government had recently announced that extreme poverty had been eliminated in the state and increased the welfare pension from Rs 1600 to Rs 2000.

It plans to identify around five lakh of the poorest families and help them rise above poverty through targeted support.

Special focus will be given to vulnerable groups such as the Scheduled Castes, fisherfolk, and Antyodaya beneficiaries.

For the youth, the manifesto focuses on employment.

It promises campus placements for students completing their studies and the expansion of skill training programmes. A "Back to Campus" initiative will help job seekers gain practical skills linked to employment opportunities.

Women's employment is another major focus. The LDF aims to increase the participation of women in the workforce to 50 per cent. Support systems such as safe travel, childcare, and skill training will be strengthened to help women take up jobs.

Pinarayi alone: The 81-year-old carrying the Left's fate in Kerala

At 81, Pinarayi Vijayan turns Kerala’s election into a personal referendum—admired, criticised, and bearing the LDF’s fortunes almost entirely on his shoulders, says longtime Kerala watcher Rajesh Abraham.  

"On a sweltering afternoon drive from Kochi to Thrissur, the conversation turns, inevitably, to politics. Shaji, the taxi driver at the wheel, does not hesitate.

"He is arrogant, and that's not an attitude a Chief Minister should have," he says, eyes fixed on the highway. "I would expect the head of the government to behave like Oommen Chandy did. What we are seeing now is 'Pinarayism'."

Hours later, at a tea stall not far from the rally grounds, Krishnan, an autodriver and a committed Left supporter, offers a counterpoint just as sharp. "Can you name any former Chief Minister who has done this kind of development?" he asks. "You need determination and strong resolve for that."

(writes Rajesh in 'New Indian Express' ) 

Rajesh, a former PTI journo who covered finance and economy, is sharp in his candid observation:  

"As Kerala heads into the April 9 Assembly polls, the election has effectively become a referendum on one man. Not the party. Not ideology. Not even governance in abstraction," Rajesh notes.  

"He controlled Kerala for the last 25 years—first as party secretary and then as CM," says PA Mathew, an educationist from Punalur. "In a way, he is similar to Modi. A master politician who understands the pulse of his cadres." (New I.E.) 

ends 

Now, SC cracks the whip .... 'Welcome to Bengal' --- At no place where SIR adjudication is on not more than five persons be permitted :::: Dream Moments in Politics -- "Cultural fascism" in West Bengal, says BJP lawmaker and ex 'Dream Girl' Hema Malini

Taking a serious view, the Supreme Court has ordered certain interim directions to ensure protection to judicial officers performing SIR duties : 

-- The ECI is directed to requisition adequate central forces and deploy them at all places where judicial officers are conducting SIR adjudication.

Adequate security must also be provided at hotels, guest houses, and other places where these officers are presently staying.

On seven judicial officers held hostage by Malda villagers yesterday, allegedly over voter deletions, 

--- Union Minister & BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar says,"...The Election Commission should take cognisance of the incident and investigate to find out who was behind it.  

Did the instigation by Mamata Banerjee's party lead to this incident? It is also a matter of concern whether or not the people whose names were deleted are citizens of India."

"If any judicial officer or their family members have apprehensions or threat perceptions, the same shall be immediately assessed and appropriate action taken," the Supreme Court said.

All other necessary measures required to ensure safety and smooth functioning shall be undertaken by the ECI in coordination with the State Government.

The Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, and DGP are jointly directed to ensure that not more than 3–5 persons are allowed to enter the premises at a time for filing objections.

At no place where SIR adjudication is ongoing shall more than five persons be permitted entry at any given time.

The Chief Secretary and DGP shall file a compliance report before the Court.

The Collector, Chief Secretary, DGP, District Magistrate, and SSP are directed to show cause as to why appropriate action should not be taken against them in light of the letter received from the Chief Justice of the High Court.

They are further directed to remain present (virtually) on April 6, the next date of hearing.

 BJP MP Hema Malini has written to the Speaker alleging "cultural fascism" in West Bengal and how it is a "security risk" and also has "negative" impact on livelihoods.

"West Bengal is the land that gave birth to luminaries like Rabindranath Tagore and Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay; West Bengal used to be the cultural capital...

Today, there is nothing of that sort there; people are struggling to protect & preserve their art," 

She also said:

For the past 8–9 years, it has become extremely difficult for me to go to Kolkata for our programs; the straightforward reason for this is that they refuse to provide security. Why will they not give security? Naturally, the organisers used to get scared and would not arrange our programs.

"On 15th March, when I was supposed to perform there, they tried not to give us the theatre for my performance. The main reason is that I belong to the BJP. They are scared, which is why they are talking like this. As an artist, I can say they have been very mean to all artists.

"Not just me. But many other artists were not allowed to come. Art & culture are the heart of our country. All this happening is very sad."

Assam polls :::: Often ... “Turncoat vs Turncoat” :::: "Test of BJP’s post-delimitation strategy and a referendum on Hindutva-based cultural politics" ::: Post-delimitation, lack of historical patterns have made predictions

In many assembly segments, any kind of prediction has become difficult even as there is a clear edge in favour of the BJP.

In many constituencies; locals back AGP’s long-standing presence and in some it's smaller parties such as Raijor Dal.

 

Everyone is actually asking; could Congres handle things better ! 

In many constituencies; people are raising concerns of internal sabotage while booth workers fear the so-called vote fragmentation. 

The Nagaon-Batadrava constituency is among the most significant outcomes of the 2023 delimitation, merging the former Nowgong and Batadraba constituencies into a completely new electoral unit. 

With nearly 1.97 lakh voters and a drastically altered demographic structure, the constituency is witnessing its first full-scale electoral contest, making historical voting patterns largely irrelevant. 

The main battle is between BJP candidate Rupak Sarmah and Congress veteran Durlav Chamua.

A defining feature of this contest is the BJP’s focus on the redevelopment of the Batadrava Than, the birthplace of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev. 

The project has been positioned as a cornerstone of the party’s “cultural identity” narrative, turning the constituency into a symbolic battleground beyond electoral arithmetic. 

This seat is both a test of the BJP’s post-delimitation strategy and a referendum on its cultural politics centred on the Batadrava project. 

The BJP holds a slight advantage, driven by organisational strength and narrative control. 

However, the newness of the constituency and lack of historical patterns keep the contest open-ended and closely watched.

The Silchar Legislative Assembly Constituency remains one of the most politically significant seats in the Barak Valley, with the BJP and the Congress locked in a direct contest. 

At the centre of the fight is BJP candidate Rajdeep Roy, taking on Congress nominee Abhijit Paul. Silchar is the commercial and political hub of the Barak Valley, has historically shaped the region’s political narrative. 

In 2021, the BJP secured a decisive victory, with Dipayan Chakraborty defeating the Congress by over 37,000 votes, signaling strong saffron consolidation in urban Barak. 

The 2026 contest, however, presents new complexities. 

The Congress is attempting a revival by banking on legacy networks associated with the late Santosh Mohan Dev, along with efforts to rebuild its local organisation.

The BJP enters the fray as the frontrunner, backed by past margins and organisational strength. 

However, the Congress’s attempt to consolidate anti-incumbency sentiment in an urban electorate is likely to make Silchar more competitive than in previous cycles. 

Katigorah presents one of the most politically intriguing contests in the Barak Valley, defined by dramatic role reversals. 

The BJP has fielded Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha, a high-profile defector from the Congress, who is up against Amar Chand Jain, a candidate who has made the reverse switch. 

This “turncoat vs turncoat” contest adds a symbolic dimension to the battle. 

The situation within the Congress has been particularly turbulent. 

The party’s decision to deny renomination to sitting MLA Khalil Uddin Mazumder, who won the seat in 2021 with over 51% vote share, has triggered protests among workers.

Katigorah’s strategic importance stems from its location within the Silchar parliamentary segment, making it crucial for any party aiming to dominate Barak Valley politics. 

The BJP appears slightly better placed due to organisational cohesion. But  internal rebellion in everywhere and it works against both the Congress and he BJP.

The Congress also faces a credibility challenge due to factionalism, which could dilute its vote despite any anti-incumbency factor.

                    File image of BJP candidate Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha from Katigorah 

Binnakandi 

The newly created Binnakandi constituency in Hojai district has emerged as one of the most high-profile contests in Assam, largely due to AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal’s entry into the fray. 

Carved out of the erstwhile Jamunamukh constituency following delimitation, Binnakandi remains part of Ajmal’s long-standing electoral stronghold. 

The region includes areas where the Ajmal family and its affiliates have maintained consistent political dominance since 2006, making it a symbolic and strategic base for the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF). 

With a minority-dominated electorate, and Hojai district having over 53% Muslim population, the seat has traditionally favoured the AIUDF. 

However, the 2026 election presents a markedly different challenge. 

Ajmal is pitted against Rejaul Karim Chowdhury of the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), contesting as the consensus candidate of the Congress-led opposition alliance. NDA nominee is Sahabuddin Mazumdar of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP).  

The Tezpur constituency, one of North Assam’s most culturally significant seats, is witnessing a multi-layered contest that blends legacy politics with emerging Opposition dynamics. 

At the centre is sitting MLA Prithiraj Rava of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), contesting as part of the BJP-led alliance. 

Rava, the son of cultural icon Bishnu Prasad Rabha, carries the weight of a strong legacy that has historically influenced voter sentiment in the constituency. 

In the 2021 Assembly elections, Rava secured 71,454 votes, defeating Congress candidate Anuj Kumar Mech by a margin of over 10,000 votes.

The Opposition has fielded Raijor Dal candidate Alok Nath as a consensus nominee under a broader alliance. However, internal cracks have emerged, with Pallabi Saikia entering the fray as an Independent after breaking ranks with the Congress.

ends 

ends