Guwahati: This narrative unfurls the saga of a prodigious scion ascending the political echelons, following the legacy of his distinguished father, the late Tarun Gogoi, a thrice-elected Chief Minister of Assam. Initially hesitant to delve into the political realm, Gaurav Gogoi, the illustrious progeny, evolved into a sagacious politician, amalgamating his father’s political shrewdness with his eloquence and vibrant dynamism.

In the Lok Sabha elections, which encompassed 14 seats in Assam, one of the most riveting topics was the triumph of Congress candidate Gaurav Gogoi, who previously held the deputy leader of the opposition mantle in the Parliament.

Representing the Jorhat Lok Sabha constituency, Gaurav surmounted myriad adversities, thwarting the BJP’s stratagems to clinch victory. He triumphed over Topon Gogoi of the BJP with a margin of 1,44,393 votes, garnering 751,771 votes to his rival’s 607,378.

Gaurav Gogoi’s victory delivered a significant blow to the BJP in Assam, reclaiming the Jorhat constituency, which had been under BJP dominion since 2014, thereby reinstating the Congress stronghold in Upper Assam.

The discourse among political circles likens Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s overall defeat to a Pyrrhic victory, despite securing 11 seats. Gaurav’s battle in Jorhat was arduous. Initially, Jorhat, a previous Congress bastion, was uncharted territory for him.

Following constituency delimitation in Assam, Gaurav opted for Jorhat after his former constituency, Kaliabor, was dissolved. The BJP, recognizing the challenge, mounted a formidable campaign against him, with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma personally spearheading 20 rallies in Jorhat. His cabinet minister, Pijush Hazarika, conducted over 100 rallies, while other BJP luminaries, including minister Jayanta Malla, camped in the constituency. Despite BJP’s control over seven of the 10 assembly segments in Jorhat, Gaurav faced internal dissent from some local Congress leaders, making his victory even more commendable.

Facing non-cooperation from certain district-level Congress members, Gaurav likened himself to Abhimanyu, vowing to break the ‘chakravyuh’ of opposition. He indeed managed to breach the defenses, leading in nine out of 10 assembly segments, prompting discussions about Chief Minister Sarma’s comprehensive defeat despite the NDA’s win in 11 out of 14 seats in Assam.

Here are the 10 reasons behind Gaurav Gogoi’s victory in Jorhat:

1. Charisma, Skills, and Oratory: Gaurav’s personal magnetism, adeptness, and eloquence resonated deeply with the electorate. His parliamentary performance over the last five years, marked by incisive critiques of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP-led government, bolstered his image as a formidable legislator concerned with issues affecting Assam and Manipur.
2. Youth Engagement: Gaurav adeptly targeted young voters, contributing to a high turnout of nearly 80% in the Ahom and tea tribe-dominated Upper Assam constituencies. His effective use of social media platforms endeared him to the younger demographic.
3. Heartfelt Connection: By leveraging social media adeptly, Gaurav forged a genuine connection with the masses, using YouTubers, bloggers, and radio jockeys to disseminate his message.
4. Turning the Tide on BJP’s Overconfidence: Gaurav waited strategically to counteract the BJP’s dismissive tactics. The BJP’s attempts to undermine his credentials and coerce Congress leaders to defect ultimately alienated voters, backfiring spectacularly and consolidating support for Gaurav.
5. Strategic Decision to Contest from Jorhat: Faced with a choice between Jorhat and Nagaon after the dissolution of Kaliabor, Gaurav’s decision to contest from Jorhat proved astute, reinforcing the Congress’s position in Upper Assam and showcasing his political acumen.
6. Ethnic Appeal and Identity Politics: Both candidates belonging to the Ahom ethnicity, a significant factor given the historical influence of the Ahom kings, played a pivotal role. The high voter turnout underscored the ethnic solidarity favoring Gaurav.
7. Inclusive Appeal: While Gaurav benefited from ethnic support, he skillfully avoided overt ethnic or lineage-based rhetoric, thereby appealing to a broader electorate.
8. Exploiting BJP’s Internal Conflicts: The rift within Assam BJP, particularly between new and old factions, alongside Topon Kumar Gogoi’s lackluster performance, worked in Gaurav’s favor. His focus on social issues rather than personal attacks resonated with voters.
9. Alliances with Raijor Dal, CPI, and Akhil Gogoi: Support from these parties and influential figures like Akhil Gogoi bolstered Gaurav’s campaign, particularly in regions like Shivsaagar and Dimow.
10. Benefiting from Tarun Gogoi’s Legacy: Although Gaurav established his own identity, his father’s legacy, particularly in areas like Titabar, contributed to his substantial winning margin, reinforcing his standing in Upper Assam.

These factors collectively propelled Gaurav Gogoi to victory in Jorhat, cementing his stature as a leader who transcended formidable opposition from the BJP and the Chief Minister, thereby fortifying the Congress’s presence in Upper Assam.