Avik Chakraborty

DIBRUGARH, Apr 5: The newly created Khowang Assembly constituency is set for a closely watched contest as Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) president Lurinjyoti Gogoi takes on sitting BJP MLA Chakradhar Gogoi, making it a key battleground in the 2026 Assembly elections.

Lurinjyoti Gogoi, who contested the 2024 Lok Sabha polls from Dibrugarh and lost to Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal, has now shifted focus to Khowang, where he faces an experienced BJP leader seeking to retain his influence in the region.

A constituency with decisive vote blocs

Khowang has an electorate of around 1.7 lakh voters, largely comprising tea garden workers and rural Assamese communities. The Ahom community accounts for roughly 31% of voters, while tea garden workers make up nearly 30%, making both groups crucial in determining the outcome.

Notably, no candidate from the tea community is in the fray this time, leaving a significant section of voters open to influence.

Track record vs fresh challenge

Chakradhar Gogoi enters the contest with a strong electoral record. He defeated Congress veteran and former Union minister Paban Singh Ghatowar in 2016 and retained the seat in 2021 against Pranjal Ghatowar with a margin of over 22,000 votes.

However, issues such as recurring floods and riverbank erosion continue to dominate local concerns and have become central to the campaign narrative.
High-profile campaigning

Both candidates are campaigning intensively

The opposition has targeted the ruling BJP over its handling of erosion, while Chakradhar Gogoi has highlighted development initiatives under the state government led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

The contest has attracted top leaders. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi has campaigned for Lurinjyoti Gogoi, while Sarbananda Sonowal and Himanta Biswa Sarma have backed the BJP candidate. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also scheduled to address a rally in Khowang.

Tight contest expected

Observers say that while there is some discontent over local issues, the key question is whether Lurinjyoti Gogoi can consolidate anti-incumbency sentiment and win over undecided voters, particularly from tea garden communities.

With strong candidates, community dynamics, and high-profile campaigning in play, Khowang is emerging as one of the most closely contested seats in Upper Assam.

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