Assam Congress chief and party candidate from Jorhat constituency Gaurav Gogoi greets supporters during his nomination rally ahead of the Assam Assembly elections in Jorhat district on March 23, 2026. | Photo credit: PTI
The 2026 Assam Assembly elections were often verbally heated, with candidates threatening their rivals or using inappropriate language. But a few stand out for their politeness by hitting a polite note.
Also Read: Developments in Poll-bound States as on March 30, 2026
Jorhat – known as Assam’s ‘Tea Capital’ and the fountain of Assamese intellectual and literary greats – is one such constituency. Others include Dispur, New Guwahati and northwest Assam’s Tamulpur.
It is not uncommon for younger candidates in these constituencies to touch the feet of their older rivals, compliment each other on their oratory skills, or exchange pleasantries and hugs during face-to-face interactions.
“Jorhat has one of the highest literacy rates in Assam and people here are generally well behaved. They do not tolerate rude or aggressive language. This is reflected in the leaders they elect,” said local environmental activist Biju Sarma.
Bharatiya Janata Party’s Hitendra Nath Goswami (67) is seeking re-election from Jorhat. His main rival is 43-year-old State Congress president Gaurav Gogoi, who currently represents the Jorhat Lok Sabha seat. “My younger rival speaks well, but that does not mean his victory is guaranteed,” said Mr. Goswami, who has a law degree in addition to a master’s in science, adding that political criticism need not be disrespectful.
Mr Gogoi, who has a master’s degree in public administration from New York University, returned the courtesy, wishing his BJP rival well but saying: “Jorhat is eager for change.”
In Guwahati, more than 300 km west, independent candidate Jayanta Kumar Das, 57, admitted he has a lot to catch up with his former party, the BJP, but not his “gentleman” rival, former Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi, 65. The two are in a triangular fight along with Congress candidate Mira Borthakurs in Disturs Go.
In neighboring New Guwahati, Congress candidate Santanu Borah, 44, and BJP’s Diplu Ranjan Sarmah, 50, said they would work together to develop the constituency regardless of the outcome.
A similar atmosphere prevails in northwest Assam’s Tamulpur, one of the 15 constituencies under the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC). Instead of targeting each other or their parties, the two biggest contestants — Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary of the BJP and UPPL President Pramod Boro — focused on development agendas.
“Our upbringing does not allow us to be rude or indulge in personal attacks. As public representatives, it is our duty to set a good example,” said Mr Boro, 51, an elected member of the BTC and an elected member of the Rajya Sabha. Mr Daimary, 52, agreed.
Published – 30 March 2026 21:07 IST
