KOKRAJHAR, April 20 - As the day of poll for the third phase of elections on April 23 draws near, a triangular contest amongst as many as nine candidates contesting for Kokrajhar Lok Sabha seat looks most likely.
The candidate from BPF Pramila Rani Brahma with support of the ruling BJP and AGP is making all efforts to woo voters in her favour under the leadership of the BPF supremo Hagrama Mohilary.
On the other hand, UG Brahma, a former Rajya Sabha MP and UPPL president contesting for the seat with support of ABSU, NDFB (P), PJACBM and other allied organisations is leaving no stone unturned to win over the seat by projecting the demands of ABSU and fraternal organisations demanding a separate Bodoland statehood and development for all sections of people. At the same time, the AIUDF has also expressed support to the UPPL to ensure his victory.
Besides Naba Kumar Sarania (Hira Sarania), the sitting Lok Sabha MP seems confident of regaining the seat on the basis of his performance in the last tenure as he claimed in several meetings in remote areas of Kokrajhar. Several organisations like the AKRSU, ABMSU and some other organisations have extended support to Sarania.
It may be mentioned here that all the three candidates with support of the political and non- political organisations are undertaking massive election campaign across the seat comprising a vast area under ten LA segments. There are 17,48,827 voters in the LS seat. The voter turnout in the last MP election was more than 70 per cent and Naba Kumar Sarania won with a record margin as a non-Bodo candidate from this area.
Though candidates from other political parties like the Congress, CPI(M), VPI and three Independents may get a significant number of votes, however a radical change in the final analysis is most unlikely unless any kind of dramatic political wave underpins a change in the mindset of voters just before the poll date.
