Guwahati, Sept 7: The Election Commission of India (ECI), on Monday, announced the schedule for the Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election, with polling to be held on October 6 and counting of votes on October 9. According to the notification, the last date for filing nominations is September 16, scrutiny will take place on September 17, and candidates can withdraw their nominations until September 19.

The election process is scheduled to be completed by October 11. The announcement comes amid heightened political activity, with parties already stepping up preparations for the contest.

Speaking at a press conference following the State Cabinet meeting on Monday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the BJP would focus on retaining its lead in the Assembly segments within the Lok Sabha constituency where it had performed well previously. 5 lakh minority people in the Nagaon constituency.

The constituency is divided into two parts. BJP had earlier won across Nagaon, Jagiroad, Morigaon and Raha, whereas Congress and candidates from the opposition alliance won from Samaguri, Dhing, Rupahihat and Lahorighat,” Sarma said.

He said the BJP's immediate objective would be to retain its advantage in the four segments while increasing its vote share in the remaining constituencies. “From the vision of BJP, our main aim will be to retain and secure our victory in the previous four constituencies where we had won earlier.

BJP will enter the battlefield with this limited goal with the intention to improve and increase votes in the other four constituencies,” he said. Sarma, however, cautioned against viewing Nagaon as a traditional BJP stronghold.

5 lakh votes. Campaigns will be carried out and people will ensure victory of those they prefer,” he said.

“This is not a BJP seat, because traditionally BJP has not won earlier, neither in MLA elections nor in MP polls. However, it doesn't mean that losing twice will ensure loss for the third time again,” the Chief Minister added.

Earlier in the day, Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia said the party had begun preparations across the constituency. “Joined a crucial strategy meeting for the Nagaon Lok Sabha by-poll.

We chalked out plans to further energize BJP Assam across eight Assembly segments, 25 Mandals and 2,306 booths with strong grassroots connect. Focused on making our booths stronger to seek blessings of the people,” Saikia said in a social media post.