The counting of votes for the Bokajan assembly constituency in Assam is underway, with early trends indicating a lead for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Surjya Rongphar. The election, held as part of the 2026 Assam Legislative Assembly polls, has drawn significant attention due to the strategic importance of the seat in the state's political landscape.
Key Candidates and Contest
Surjya Rongphar, the BJP nominee, is facing a multi-cornered contest that includes candidates from the Congress party and the United People's Party Liberal (UPPL). The Bokajan seat, reserved for Scheduled Tribes, has traditionally been a battleground for regional and national parties, with tribal welfare and development being central issues.
Voter Turnout and Campaign Highlights
The constituency recorded a voter turnout of approximately 82% in the single-phase polling held earlier this month. The campaign saw intense rallies, with BJP focusing on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's development agenda and the Congress promising enhanced tribal rights and local infrastructure. The UPPL, an ally of the BJP in the previous government, contested independently this time, making the race triangular.
- Surjya Rongphar (BJP): A former minister, Rongphar has emphasized his work in education and road connectivity during his previous tenure.
- Congress Candidate: The party's nominee, a local tribal leader, has campaigned on issues of land rights and employment for youth.
- UPPL Candidate: The party has sought to consolidate tribal votes by highlighting alleged neglect by the BJP-led government.
Counting Process and Trends
Counting began at 8 AM across designated centers in the district, with strict security measures in place. As of the latest updates, Rongphar is leading by a margin of over 5,000 votes, with more than 60% of the postal ballots and electronic voting machine (EVM) counts tallied. The final results are expected by evening, with the Election Commission of India ensuring a transparent process.
This election is crucial for the BJP as it seeks to retain its stronghold in the region, while the Congress and UPPL aim to make inroads. The outcome in Bokajan could influence the overall composition of the Assam assembly, where the BJP is vying for a third consecutive term.
