OUR CORRESPONDENT
DIGBOI: The political landscape of Burhi Dihing Mouza in Tinsukia’s Digboi constituency is undergoing a significant transformation. Once considered a stronghold of regional political sentiment, Burhi Dihing has now turned into fertile ground for the BJP, following the party’s sweeping victory in the recently concluded panchayat elections. Digboi BJP MLA Suren Phukan stated that a shift from regional politics to a national development-oriented agenda is reshaping the region’s political dynamics.
Addressing the media on Saturday morning, Phukan expressed his gratitude to the people of the constituency for their continued trust and support. Rejoicing over the victory of BJP candidates, he said that the people have recognized the need for change and development, placing their faith in the leadership of the BJP.
Burhi Dihing Mouza comprises six panchayats—Kailashpur, Tangana, Bijuliban, Burhi Dihing, Brahmajan, and Dwarmara—and is home to approximately 58,000 voters. Previously part of the Margherita Assembly constituency, Buridehing now falls under the jurisdiction of the newly defined 84 Digboi Assembly Constituency after the recent delimitation exercise.
Historically regarded as an epicentre of regional politics and a key decider in electoral outcomes, Burhi Dihing has shown a clear change in direction. “Following the BJP’s victory in all six panchayats in the recent polls, it’s evident that the region is moving away from regional political influence,” Phukan said. He also noted that this shift wasn’t easy, given Buridehing’s longstanding allegiance to regional parties. During the last Parliamentary election, the area strongly resisted BJP MP candidate Sarbananda Sonowal, with AJP’s Lurinjyoti Gogoi gaining favour due to regional sentiment.
“Overcoming decades of political equations guided by regional sentiment wasn’t easy,” Phukan said. “I visited Burhi Dihing 174 times in a year and raised the constituency’s concerns during legislative and cabinet sessions at least 18 times annually. People have now realized that the absence of effective leadership resulted in complete developmental stagnation in the area.”
Phukan highlighted several major development initiatives that contributed to the BJP’s acceptance in Burhi Dihing. He pointed out that Rs 55 crore had been allocated for road development, Rs 4 crore was granted for infrastructure upgrades of religious institutions, and Rs 133 crore was sanctioned for the improvement and widening of a 40-kilometre stretch of road from Digboi to Mohong in Bordumsa. “These initiatives have deeply impacted the people and helped restore their trust in the BJP,” he said.
According to Phukan, these socio-economic and infrastructural developments have opened up a new era for the previously remote region. He credited the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma for the BJP’s successful implementation of pro-people policies. “People have now rejected the ideologies of regional politics and voted for development, which led to the BJP’s massive victory in the panchayat elections,” he added.
Phukan also took the opportunity to respond to critics, stating that the BJP’s triumph in Burhi Dihing was a strong rebuttal to opposition leaders from regional parties like AJP, who had allegedly tried to malign his image. Known for his active presence on social media and frequent controversies, Phukan expressed confidence that the BJP would secure a major victory in the 2026 Assembly elections.
Out of 130 ward member positions across the 13 panchayats in the constituency, 18 were won by candidates from the Congress, AJP, and Raijor Dal. However, the BJP swept the remaining positions, securing all four Zilla Parishad seats, all 13 Anchalik Panchayat seats, and 112 ward member posts—an unprecedented performance in the region.
With the dismantling of regional strongholds and the visible impact of developmental initiatives, Burhi Dihing appears poised for a new political chapter centred on growth and governance.
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