Nagaon, 22 March (HS): With the Assam assembly elections 2026 drawing closer, political activities have intensified across constituencies, with Rupohihat in Nagaon district emerging as a key battleground. The minority-dominated constituency is witnessing a direct contest primarily between the Congress and the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF).

The seat is currently represented by Congress MLA Nurul Huda, who has once again been fielded by the party. Challenging him is sitting Dhing MLA Aminul Islam, who will contest from Rupohihat this time as an AIUDF candidate. The arrival of both senior leaders in the constituency and their active campaigning have brought Rupohihat into sharp political focus.

Following delimitation, the political landscape of the constituency has undergone notable changes. The reconstituted Rupohihat assembly constituency now has around 2.31 lakh voters, with nearly 92% belonging to minority communities. The constituency comprises 23 gram panchayats, formed by merging areas from Kaliabor, Samaguri, Batadrava, Dhing and the earlier Rupohihat segment. Importantly, Aminul Islam’s home panchayat now falls within the new constituency, strengthening his electoral prospects.

Nurul Huda, a two-time MLA from the seat, faces a tough challenge this time from Aminul Islam, a seasoned and influential AIUDF leader. In the previous election, Congress had secured an easy victory due to its alliance with AIUDF, which had prevented a direct contest between the two parties.

Apart from the Congress-AIUDF rivalry, other parties have also entered the fray. Under the BJP-AGP alliance, the seat has gone to the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), which has fielded Zakir Hussain Farazi as its candidate. However, political observers believe the main contest will remain between Congress and AIUDF.

Historically, Rupohihat has witnessed shifting political dominance. Since the post-Assam Movement era, the constituency has been represented by leaders from various parties, including Congress, AGP and AIUDF. Nurul Huda has held the seat since 2016 for two consecutive terms.

In the last election, Nurul Huda secured over 1.32 lakh votes, while the BJP candidate trailed far behind. The absence of a Congress-AIUDF contest at the time had ensured a comfortable win for Congress.

As the 2026 elections approach, Rupohihat is expected to witness not only community-based polarization but also a strong personality-driven contest. Whether voters choose continuity under Nurul Huda or opt for a change with Aminul Islam will be decided at the ballot box.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash