GUWAHATI: The Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday nominated former Indian Administrative Service officer Devashish Sharma as its candidate for the Nagaon Lok Sabha by-poll slated for 6 October. The notification came after the resignation of two‑time Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi, who successfully contested the 2026 Assembly elections on a BJP ticket from the Dispur constituency in Guwahati.
Background and timeline
Sharma, who served as the deputy commissioner (DC) of Nagaon district and acted as the district election officer (DEO) during his tenure, took voluntary retirement on 3 September and joined the BJP five days later on 8 September, according to party sources. The by-election was necessitated by Bordoloi's resignation from the Lok Sabha following his election to the Assam Assembly.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Pradyut Bordoloi elected to Assam Assembly (Dispur) | 2026 Assembly elections (year reported) |
| Devashish Sharma takes voluntary retirement | 3 September |
| Devashish Sharma joins BJP | 8 September |
| Nagaon Lok Sabha by-poll | 6 October |
Opposition objections and call for review
The nomination has drawn objection from the Congress. Dhubri MP Rakibul Hussain wrote to the state chief electoral officer on 4 September, urging a review of decisions taken during Sharma's tenure as Nagaon DC and requesting appropriate action in response to several complaints lodged against him earlier.
“Therefore, reviewing and scrutinising all election-related directives and decisions issued during his tenure is crucial to safeguarding the neutrality and integrity of the impending by-election,” the Dhubri MP wrote.
Hussain's letter came after complaints he had submitted on 26 August, 30 August, and on 3 and 4 September. In his correspondence he highlighted that as DC‑cum‑DEO Sharma had overseen sensitive aspects of election administration, including EVM management, polling logistics, deployment of personnel, polling station preparedness and transport arrangements.
Political context and constituency profile
Nagaon is widely regarded as a Muslim‑majority constituency in central Assam and has been a focus of political attention in recent years. The seat became vacant after Bordoloi's transition from the Lok Sabha to the Assembly, shifting the electoral arithmetic ahead of the by‑poll. The BJP's decision to field a former district administrator with local administrative experience appears aimed at consolidating ground management and campaign logistics.
What the accusations mean for election management
Allegations concerning a former DEO's neutrality are politically sensitive because district officials are responsible for implementing election procedures on the ground. The complaints cited by the Congress MP relate to the period when Sharma was responsible for critical election functions. Any electoral authority review of directives and actions from that period would be aimed at ensuring public confidence in the by-poll’s fairness.
- Key dates: Sharma retired 3 September; joined BJP 8 September; by-poll 6 October.
- Main concern: Requests to review election‑related decisions taken while Sharma was DEO.
- Political dynamic: Seat vacated after Pradyut Bordoloi's election to the Assam Assembly on a BJP ticket.
The Election Commission's office in Assam and the state BJP did not issue immediate comments in the reports. Official reaction from the Congress beyond Rakibul Hussain's letter is not recorded in the available reporting.
What to watch before October 6
With the by-poll little more than three weeks away, observers will track whether the state electoral machinery or the poll panel initiates any review of past directives pertaining to Nagaon's election administration. Any formal inquiry or corrective direction would be significant for perceptions of procedural fairness ahead of polling day.
The nomination of Sharma, a former senior administrator with direct experience in district governance and election logistics, sets the stage for a contest that will test party mobilisation and local alliances in a constituency with a distinct demographic profile. The outcome may also be seen as a barometer for party strength in central Assam following the recent Assembly election realignments.
