The contest for the Jorhat Lok Sabha seat has become a significant face-off between two prominent figures, both named Gogoi: Topon Gogoi from the BJP and Gaurav Gogoi from the Congress. Both candidates hold considerable influence and are from the Ahom community, making this battle particularly intriguing.
Jorhat constituency, with its diverse demographic makeup, including Ahoms, the tea garden community, and various other groups, presents a complex electoral landscape. The recent delimitation changes have slightly altered the constituency's boundaries but are not expected to have a significant impact on the current election.
Gaurav Gogoi views the contest as a battle between two factions within the Congress party, emphasizing the ideological divide between those dedicated to party principles and those more focused on personal gains within the BJP. Meanwhile, Topon Gogoi has expressed confidence in the development initiatives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, highlighting schemes aimed at empowering women and improving connectivity.
Key issues in the constituency include health, education, and connectivity, given Jorhat's importance in commerce, spirituality, and tourism. Both candidates have been actively campaigning, with Gaurav Gogoi receiving support from Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, while Topon Gogoi has the backing of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and other BJP leaders.
Historically, Jorhat was a Congress stronghold until 2014 when the BJP secured victory. Topon Gogoi won the seat in 2019, defeating the Congress candidate by a significant margin. Gaurav Gogoi's bid for the seat is seen as a test of his political strength beyond his usual constituency of Kaliabor.
With the polls scheduled for April 19, the contest for the Jorhat Lok Sabha seat between the two Gogois is anticipated to be closely watched, given its implications for both the Congress and the BJP in Assam.
