Archive · 11 Sep 2026
BJP Names Former Nagaon Official for Bypoll; Congress Objects
The BJP chose Debashis Sarma to contest a special election in Nagaon.
Sarma used to be the senior government official in that area.
He recently joined the BJP and said he wants to help people through politics.
He said unemployment is a major problem, especially for young people.
He also said he wants to help young people find ways to work and start businesses.
The Congress disagrees with his candidacy.
Congress leaders have asked India’s Election Commission to investigate complaints about his earlier role as an election official.
The Nagaon seat became vacant after Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi resigned and joined the BJP.
Sarma said he expects support from people across communities and believes the BJP can win.
The BJP named former Nagaon Deputy Commissioner Debashis Sarma as its candidate for the Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election.
Sarma recently joined the BJP and said he wants to serve people through politics as he did in government.
He identified unemployment and youth opportunities as major issues in the constituency.
Congress, which won Nagaon in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India against Sarma.
Congress leader Rakibul Hussain sought an inquiry into complaints concerning Sarma’s political neutrality while he was deputy commissioner-cum-district election officer.
- Who
- The BJP, former Nagaon Deputy Commissioner Debashis Sarma, the Congress and Congress leader Rakibul Hussain are involved.
- What
- The BJP selected Sarma as its candidate for the Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election, while Congress filed objections and sought an inquiry.
- When
- The BJP announced the candidacy on Friday; Congress cited complaints submitted on August 26, August 30, September 3 and September 4, and a letter dated September 4.
- Where
- The contest concerns the Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency in Assam, India.
- Why
- The by-election was required after Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi resigned, left Congress and joined the BJP; Congress objected over complaints about Sarma’s political neutrality as a former election official.
Congress objections
BJP candidate’s position
Eligibility and political neutrality
Congress objections
Congress has asked the Election Commission of India to investigate complaints concerning Sarma’s alleged political neutrality during his tenure as Nagaon Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer.
BJP candidate’s position
The BJP approved Sarma as its candidate after he recently joined the party, and Sarma said he wants to serve people in politics with the same sincerity he showed in government.
Prospects in Nagaon
Congress objections
Congress previously won the Nagaon seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha election and has challenged the BJP nominee’s candidacy through a formal complaint.
BJP candidate’s position
Sarma expressed confidence that his relationships with people across communities, including the minority community, would help the BJP win the by-election.
Main constituency priorities
Congress objections
Congress’s objections focus on the complaints and inquiry request rather than a policy platform described in the article.
BJP candidate’s position
Sarma said unemployment is a major problem and promised to focus on youth opportunities, self-reliance and resolving residents’ grievances.
- BJP candidate
- Debashis Sarma, former Nagaon Deputy Commissioner
- Election
- Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election
- Previous election result
- Congress won the Nagaon seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha election
- Congress complainant
- Rakibul Hussain, Dhubri Lok Sabha MP and Congress leader
- Complaint subject
- Sarma’s alleged political neutrality while serving as Nagaon Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer
- Key issue identified by Sarma
- Unemployment and creating opportunities for young people
- Vacancy cause
- Pradyut Bordoloi resigned, left Congress and joined the BJP ahead of the Assam Assembly elections in April