Three Trailblazing Women in Guwahati Lok Sabha History
Since its inception in 1977, the Guwahati Lok Sabha constituency has witnessed three remarkable women representatives. Now, on the horizon of the 2024 elections, another dynamic figure emerges: Mira Borthakur Goswami of the Congress party.
Mira Borthakur Goswami: Aiming for a Historic Breakthrough
Mira Borthakur Goswami has been a vocal critic of the ruling BJP, which she left in 2018. Since joining Congress in 2021, she has become one of the party’s most prominent leaders. In this election, she aspires to become the first woman from Congress to represent Guwahati in Parliament.
A Crowded Race with a Key Contender
Goswami’s primary rival is Bijuli Kalita Medhi of the BJP. While six other male candidates are in the fray, they are not expected to pose a significant challenge. Both Goswami and Medhi are first-time candidates.
Goswami’s Campaign and Support Base
Goswami is banking on her grassroots connections and the backing of 15 political parties under the Congress-led United Opposition Forum Assam. This support is a departure from 2019, when Congress’s candidate lost to the BJP by a significant margin.
A Prestigious Constituency with a Notable Legacy
Guwahati has been a prestigious constituency, having been represented by astute parliamentarians like Hem Barua of the Praja Socialist Party. Even the legendary singer Bhupen Hazarika failed to secure the seat from the BJP in 2004.
Women’s Representation in Guwahati Lok Sabha
The first woman to win the Guwahati Lok Sabha seat was Renuka Devi Barkakati of the Janata Party in 1977. Bijoya Chakravarty of the BJP became the second in 1999 and held it until 2014. However, the BJP replaced her with Queen Oja in the subsequent election.
