Silchar: The electoral contest in South Karimganj constituency of Sribhumi district has taken a triangular turn, with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) entering the fray and breaking the bipolar pattern seen across most Barak Valley seats ahead of the April 9 Assam Assembly elections.The race is now centred around three principal contenders — Ikbal Hossain of AGP (NDA), Aziz Ahmed Khan, alias Ranu Khan of the TMC, and Congress candidate Aminur Rashid Choudhury. Though 15 candidates are in the fray, these three are shaping the core battle through aggressive campaigning and voter outreach.Traditionally marked by straight contests between the BJP-led alliance and the Congress, South Karimganj is witnessing a shift in political dynamics this time, with the TMC attempting to emerge as a third force. Political observers believe the party’s entry could significantly alter vote equations, particularly among minority voters.Backing the party’s prospects, Trinamool leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev said the people of Barak Valley are looking for a credible alternative. “There is a clear desire for change among the people. TMC is emerging as that alternative which can raise the real issues of the region, including development, unemployment and safeguarding the rights of all communities,” she said.Dev further asserted that the party’s growing support base in the Valley reflects public dissatisfaction with both the BJP-led alliance and the Congress. “People have seen both sides over the years. This time, they want a fresh voice that will work sincerely for them,” she added.The Muslim-majority constituency, which has around 2.90 lakh voters, is considered politically sensitive, with multiple parties having tasted success here over the years. The seat is currently held by Congress leader Siddique Ahmed, who won in the 2021 assembly elections.TMC has fielded Aziz Ahmed Khan as part of its list of 17 candidates for the Assam polls, signalling its intent to expand its footprint in the Northeast. Senior leaders have intensified campaigning, and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is expected to address rallies in key constituencies, including South Karimganj.On the ground, campaign activities have picked up pace, with candidates holding rallies and conducting door-to-door outreach. Local issues such as development deficits, unemployment and infrastructure gaps remain central to voter concerns, even as parties seek to consolidate support along community lines.In the South Karimganj constituency, five persons withdrew their nominations on Thursday, leaving 15 candidates in the fray.With multiple contenders in the fray, analysts say division of votes could play a decisive role in determining the outcome, making South Karimganj one of the key constituencies to watch in the Barak Valley region. Votes will be counted on May 4.
