BJP’s Dispur Ticket Race Pits Experience Against Youth Appeal

Guwahati: As Assam moves closer to the next Assembly elections, the BJP’s internal contest in Dispur, Guwahati’s most politically significant constituency, has emerged as one of the party’s most closely watched battles. Despite reports of 15–20 aspirants, the race has narrowed to a straight contest between sitting MLA Atul Bora and youth leader Manash Bora.

With Dispur being Assam’s administrative nerve centre, home to the Secretariat and a diverse urban electorate, the choice is being viewed as a signal of the BJP’s broader strategy for Guwahati’s urban seats.

The BJP’s Dispur ticket race in Guwahati has narrowed to a contest between sitting MLA Atul Bora and youth leader Manash Bora. With surveys and booth-level data guiding decisions, the party faces a choice between experience and youth appeal in one of Assam’s most high-profile constituencies.

Manash Bora Positions Himself as Urban Face

Within this internal churn, Manash Bora has emerged as a strong urban contender. Brought up in Dispur and coming from a political family, he has been active in the constituency’s civic and organisational space for over two decades.

Speaking to GPlus, Manash Bora outlined his pitch as a probable candidate, highlighting what he described as consistency, grassroots connect, and an issue-based approach. He said his work focuses on understanding Dispur’s urban aspirations, professional class concerns, and youth expectations, while maintaining organisational discipline within the party.

Party observers note that Manash’s positioning aligns with the BJP’s recent emphasis on urban outreach, youth connect, and long-term leadership building in Guwahati.

Atul Bora Banks on Experience and Track Record

On the other side stands Atul Bora, the two-term sitting MLA from Dispur and one of the most recognisable BJP leaders in the constituency. With established networks and prior electoral victories, Bora brings the confidence of incumbency.

Speaking to the media, Atul Bora expressed confidence that the BJP would retain the seat regardless of the candidate, citing development work carried out over the past years. He also said he expects the party to re-elect him as the candidate, pointing to his current role as the sitting MLA.

A Complex Choice for BJP in Guwahati

Recent BJP election strategies have shown a shift toward data-driven ticket allocation, relying on surveys, booth-level performance, and perception studies rather than seniority alone. In Dispur—a constituency marked by demographic diversity, urban issues, and high political visibility—both Atul Bora and Manash Bora are said to score strongly on internal assessments.

This has complicated the final call for the party’s Guwahati leadership, as the choice carries implications beyond one seat, potentially shaping the BJP’s urban narrative across the city.

Why Dispur Matters

Dispur is not just another constituency; it is the seat that houses Assam’s power centre. Electoral outcomes here often influence political messaging across Guwahati and the state. As ticket decisions approach, party workers and residents alike are watching closely to see whether the BJP opts for continuity through experience or transition through youth leadership.

What Happens Next

The BJP is expected to finalise its candidate list after internal reviews and consultations. Until then, Dispur remains a focal point of political discussion in Guwahati, with both contenders continuing their outreach within the party and public spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions