2 hrs ago
BJP Names Former IAS Officer for Nagaon Bypoll
The BJP chose Debasish Sharma to run in an upcoming election in Nagaon, Assam.
Sharma used to be the district’s top government officer.
He retired from government work on September 3.
Five days later, he joined the BJP.
The party then gave him its election ticket.
The election will take place on October 6, and votes will be counted on October 9.
Congress leaders are questioning whether his earlier government decisions could affect the election.
The BJP says it followed its usual process for choosing a candidate.
The BJP selected former Nagaon District Commissioner Debasish Sharma as its candidate for the Lok Sabha by-election.
Sharma took voluntary retirement on September 3 and joined the BJP on September 8.
The Nagaon seat became vacant after Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi joined the BJP and won the Dispur assembly seat.
Voting is scheduled for October 6, with vote counting set for October 9.
Congress leaders have asked election authorities to review decisions made during Sharma’s tenure as district election officer.
- Who
- The BJP, former IAS officer Debasish Sharma, and Congress leaders including Gaurav Gogoi and Rakibul Hussain.
- What
- The BJP nominated Sharma for the Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election after his voluntary retirement and entry into the party.
- Where
- The contest is for the Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency in Assam.
- When
- Sharma retired on September 3 and joined the BJP on September 8; voting is scheduled for October 6 and counting for October 9.
- Why
- The seat became vacant after Pradyut Bordoloi left Congress, joined the BJP, and won the Dispur assembly seat; Congress has also sought scrutiny of Sharma’s earlier official decisions.
Congress Concerns
BJP Position
Election neutrality
Congress Concerns
Congress leaders, including Gaurav Gogoi and Rakibul Hussain, have sought an inquiry or review of decisions Sharma made while serving as Nagaon District Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer.
BJP Position
The BJP has maintained that its candidate-selection process follows established procedures.
Reason for selecting Sharma
Congress Concerns
Congress has raised concerns about the short gap between Sharma’s government service, BJP membership, and nomination.
BJP Position
The BJP is relying on Sharma’s familiarity with Nagaon and his administrative experience in the closely watched contest.
Key facts
- Candidate
- Debasish Sharma, former Nagaon District Commissioner
- Party
- Bharatiya Janata Party
- Voting date
- October 6
- Counting date
- October 9
- Retirement date
- September 3
- Party joining date
- September 8
- Former MP
- Pradyut Bordoloi, who vacated the seat after winning Dispur
Quotes
Pallab Lochan Das
BJP MLA in Assam
“An executive meeting is being attended by our MLAs and other party members. Several issues will be discussed, including the by-election in nine villages, the Silchar Municipal Corporation election and the month-long service programme. We will discuss plans to conduct these programmes effectively and work towards winning both elections.”
freepressjournal.in
“This is an extended executive meeting of the BJP Assam Pradesh, where we will discuss several important issues. The main focus will be our Seva Sankalp campaign, a month-long programme involving various service activities. We will engage with people, understand people’s problems and work together to address them.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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