The electoral landscape in Guwahati has seen a major shake-up, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) dropping two sitting MLAs from key city constituencies ahead of the Assembly elections.
The decision, part of the party’s first candidate list released on March 19, signals a strategic reset in Guwahati’s urban seats.
BJP has dropped two sitting MLAs from Guwahati—Atul Bora (Dispur) and Siddhartha Bhattacharya (Guwahati East) and replaced them with new candidates ahead of the April 9 elections.
Major Changes in Guwahati Seats
The BJP has made the following key changes:
- Dispur:
- Dropped: Atul Bora (sitting MLA)
- New candidate: Pradyut Bordoloi
- Guwahati East:
- Dropped: Siddhartha Bhattacharya (sitting MLA)
- New candidate: Diplu Ranjan Sarmah
These changes mark a significant shift in the party’s strategy within the city.
Wider BJP Line-Up in Guwahati
In other key Guwahati constituencies:
- Guwahati Central: Vijay Kumar Gupta
- Jalukbari: Himanta Biswa Sarma
The party has clearly prioritised early candidate announcements in urban seats.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
Guwahati is one of Assam’s most critical electoral zones, and such decisions:
- Reshape local political equations
- Influence voter sentiment in urban constituencies
- Signal internal party strategy and leadership choices
Dropping sitting MLAs is often seen as a high-stakes move, reflecting performance reviews and electoral calculations.
Political Context
The BJP’s first list includes 88 candidates, with several notable entries such as:
- Bhupen Kumar Borah (Bihpuria)
The inclusion of leaders who recently switched parties adds another layer to the evolving political scenario.
What Happens Next
With candidate changes in Guwahati:
- Campaign activity in the city is expected to intensify
- Opposition parties may adjust their strategies
- Voter focus will shift to new candidates and their agendas
Frequently Asked Questions
Which MLAs have been dropped in Guwahati?
Atul Bora (Dispur) and Siddhartha Bhattacharya (Guwahati East) have not been renominated.
Who are the new BJP candidates in their place?
Pradyut Bordoloi (Dispur) and Diplu Ranjan Sarmah (Guwahati East).