In the Hajo-Sualkuchi assembly constituency of Assam, Prakash Chandra Das of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) secured a narrow victory, polling 81,699 votes and defeating Congress candidate Nandita Das by a slim margin of 724 votes. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate Rojy Ahmed finished a distant third with 2,768 votes, as the constituency witnessed a closely fought contest that ultimately ended in an AGP win.
Election Context
The Hajo-Sualkuchi (SC) constituency, part of the Gauhati Lok Sabha constituency in Assam's Kamrup district, encompasses the pilgrimage town of Hajo and surrounding rural areas. This region is renowned for its religious sites that attract Hindu, Muslim, and Buddhist pilgrims. In the 2021 assembly elections, BJP's Suman Haripriya won with 66,165 votes (44% share) and a 14,368-vote margin over Assam Jatiya Parishad's Dulu Ahmed (51,797 votes, 34% share). She had also defended her 2016 victory with 55,096 votes (41% share).
Demographics and Turnout
The area has a population of 222,646 residents (91% rural per the 2011 census), with 11.94% Scheduled Castes and 0.42% Scheduled Tribes. There are 180,589 electors across 211 polling stations, and the 2021 election recorded a turnout of 85.66%. Voting for all 126 constituencies in Assam took place on April 9, with overall turnout exceeding 85%—among the highest seen in recent years. Importantly, strong voter participation was evident not only in rural regions but also in urban areas, indicating widespread and energetic engagement from voters across the state.
Exit Polls and Alliance Dynamics
Exit polls had suggested a decisive edge for the incumbent government led by Himanta Biswa Sarma, with most agencies predicting that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is on course to win a third straight term in Assam. The AGP, which is in alliance with the BJP, fielded Prakash Chandra Das in this constituency.
Candidate Performance
- Prakash Chandra Das (AGP): 81,699 votes (winner)
- Nandita Das (Congress): 80,975 votes (runner-up)
- Rojy Ahmed (TMC): 2,768 votes (third place)
The narrow margin of 724 votes underscores the competitive nature of the contest in this constituency. The AGP's victory, albeit slim, contributes to the overall alliance performance in the state.
Broader Implications
This result is part of the larger 2026 Assam assembly election outcomes, which are being closely watched along with elections in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala, and Puducherry. The AGP's win in Hajo-Sualkuchi, a seat previously held by the BJP, reflects the alliance's continued strength in the region. The Congress, despite a strong showing, fell short, while the TMC failed to make a significant impact.
