Archive · 11 Sep 2026
BJP Fields Former IAS Officer for Nagaon Lok Sabha Bypoll
The BJP chose Debasish Sharma to contest an upcoming election in Nagaon, Assam.
Sharma used to be a senior government officer in the area.
He retired from government service in early September.
He then joined the BJP shortly before the party selected him as its candidate.
Reports give different dates for when he joined the party: September 8 or September 9.
The election will happen on October 6, 2026, and the votes will be counted on October 9.
The seat became empty after former Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi joined the BJP and won another election.
Congress leaders are asking officials to examine decisions Sharma made while he managed elections in Nagaon.
The BJP named former Nagaon District Commissioner Debasish Sharma as its candidate for the October 6, 2026, Lok Sabha by-election.
Sharma took voluntary retirement from government service in early September after serving as Nagaon’s district commissioner and district election officer.
Reports differ on whether Sharma joined the BJP on September 8 or September 9, shortly before receiving the party ticket.
The Nagaon seat became vacant after former Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi joined the BJP and won the Dispur Assembly seat.
Congress leaders Gaurav Gogoi and Rakibul Hussain asked election authorities to investigate decisions made during Sharma’s tenure.
- Who
- The Bharatiya Janata Party, former IAS officer Debasish Sharma, Congress leaders Gaurav Gogoi and Rakibul Hussain, and former MP Pradyut Bordoloi.
- What
- The BJP nominated Sharma for the Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election after his voluntary retirement and entry into the party.
- When
- The by-election is scheduled for October 6, 2026, with counting on October 9; Sharma retired in early September and reportedly joined the BJP on September 8 or 9.
- Where
- The contest is for the Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency in Assam.
- 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 electoral and administrative decisions.
Congress Concerns
BJP Position
Election neutrality
Congress Concerns
Congress leaders Gaurav Gogoi and Rakibul Hussain have sought an inquiry into decisions Sharma made as Nagaon District Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer and raised concerns about electoral neutrality.
BJP Position
The BJP has maintained that its candidate-selection process follows established procedures.
Timing of political transition
Congress Concerns
Congress has questioned the short interval between Sharma’s government service, his BJP membership, and his nomination as the party’s candidate.
BJP Position
The BJP selected Sharma while emphasizing his local familiarity and administrative experience in Nagaon.
Electoral significance
Congress Concerns
Congress is seeking to retain the constituency it won in the 2024 Lok Sabha election.
BJP Position
The BJP views the bypoll as an opportunity to build on Pradyut Bordoloi’s switch and its organizational position in Assam.
- BJP candidate
- Debasish Sharma, former Nagaon District Commissioner
- Election
- Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election
- Voting date
- October 6, 2026
- Counting date
- October 9, 2026
- Retirement
- Sharma took voluntary retirement in early September; one report specifies September 3
- Party entry
- Reports identify September 8 or September 9 as Sharma’s BJP joining date
- Vacated seat
- Former Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi left Congress, joined the BJP, and won Dispur
- Nominations
- Notification was issued on September 9, with nominations closing on September 16
