Political circles in Karbi Anglong are abuzz with speculation that Numal Momin, the Deputy Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly and two-term MLA from Bokajan, may run as an independent from the 108-Bokajan (ST) constituency in the April 2026 Assembly elections. The possibility has emerged after Momin, who won Bokajan on a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket in both 2016 and 2021, was denied renomination this cycle.
The BJP has named Surjya Rongphar, an executive member of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, as its official candidate for the seat. Despite being overlooked, Momin publicly congratulated Rongphar and extended his best wishes to BJP nominees across Karbi Anglong and the state, a move observers say signals continued organisational loyalty for now.
Sources close to Momin and local party leaders say discussions are underway about an independent candidature. If he chooses to contest without the BJP banner, it could split the party’s vote in this ST-reserved constituency and transform the race into a three-way contest.
The Indian National Congress has fielded Raton Engti from Bokajan; Engti was defeated by Momin in the 2021 election. Political analysts note that Bokajan has been treated as a BJP stronghold in recent years, with Momin posting comfortable victories in the past two polls, making any independent run by him potentially significant for electoral arithmetic.
Party insiders and local leaders have not confirmed details, and neither Momin nor senior BJP officials have issued an official statement on a possible independent bid. With nomination deadlines approaching ahead of the April 2026 polls, the situation remains fluid and could change quickly.
If Momin formalises an independent candidacy, the contest in Bokajan will bear close watching for its implications on party cohesion, tribal politics in Karbi Anglong, and the broader electoral map in Assam.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/dr-numal-momin-may-contest-as-independent-in-assam-polls-after-bjp-snub-1362323-2026-03-19?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-03-19 20:12:00
