Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 2: Assam's Barak valley, stirred by NRC, awaits their unusual chance to elect an MP
Karimganj Lok Sabha seat on April 26. As Indian Express reports, the Barak Valley, is experiencing a never before witnessed enthusiasm for the Lok Sabha Polls 2024. But why? Barak Valley in Assam is the nuanced location bordering Bangladesh, and often at the center of Bangali infiltration debate for Assam.
The Karimganj Lok Sabha constituency covers two districts of Assam’s largely Bengali-speaking Barak Valley – Karimganj and Hailakandi. The 2011 Census placed the Muslim population of Karimganj and Hailakandi at 56.36% and 60.31%, respectively. Nestled alongside the Bangladesh border, Karimganj, especially the Barak Valley region, has been long shrouded in citizenship ambiguities.
The enduring specter of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) has cast a shadow over its populace, branded as "illegal" due to their Bengali language and Muslim identity. After the drastic changes in Barak Valley following last year’s delimitation exercise, Karimganj is no longer a Scheduled Caste-reserved seat. Instead, Silchar, the Barak Valley’s other Lok Sabha seat, is reserved now.
A staggering total of 24 candidates are vying for the Karimganj seat, with prominent contenders including the incumbent BJP MP Kripanath Mallah, former Assam Bar Council chairman Hafiz Rashid Ahmed Choudhury representing the Congress, and businessman Sahabul Islam Choudhury from the AIUDF. Among the remaining candidates, 18 are contesting independently, while the remaining three represent smaller political parties. With an eye on retaining Karimganj, Assam ruling party BJP recognizes the significance of securing Muslim votes in addition to rallying Hindu support.
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