Guwahati, April 5: Campaigning has intensified in Bokakhat ahead of the April 9 polling in the Assam Legislative Assembly elections 2026, with the constituency shaping up as a crucial contest in Upper Assam.
Often described as the gateway to Kaziranga National Park, Bokakhat is witnessing a high-stakes battle centred on Atul Bora, who is seeking a third consecutive term.
The BJP–AGP alliance has finalised its seat-sharing arrangement after negotiations over key constituencies, with the Bharatiya Janata Party contesting 89 seats and the Asom Gana Parishad fielding candidates in 26 seats, maintaining its 2021 tally. The alliance faces competition from Raijor Dal and other regional players.
Bokakhat, once a stronghold of the Indian National Congress, shifted in favour of the AGP in 2016 under Bora’s leadership. He secured 62,962 votes that year, defeating Congress candidate Arun Phukan. In 2021, Bora expanded his margin significantly, polling 72,930 votes against Independent candidate Pranab Doley’s 27,749.
Currently serving as Agriculture Minister, Bora enters the 2026 contest with a consolidated support base but faces a multi-cornered challenge. Other candidates include Bibekananda Rajowar of GGP and Independents Pranab Doley and Hemanta Doloi.
Local demographics are expected to play a decisive role, with Tea community voters, Gorkha residents, and indigenous groups such as the Mishing and Karbi tribes shaping electoral dynamics. Issues of identity and regional representation continue to influence campaign narratives.
Beyond politics, Bokakhat reflects a vibrant socio-economic landscape, with its local markets—known for traditional sweets like pedas and puris—remaining active even during the campaign period.
For the AGP, the outcome carries broader significance, as Bora’s performance is likely to indicate whether the party’s indigenous identity plank continues to resonate within the BJP-led alliance. With internal differences addressed, the alliance is aiming to retain its foothold in one of Upper Assam’s most closely watched constituencies.
