Kokrajhar is one of the few Lok Sabha constituencies which elected an independent candidate in 2014. However, historically Kokrajhar has a penchant for electing independents with them winning six times.
Incumbent MP Naba Kumar Sarania though created history by becoming the first non-Bodo winner from Kokrajhar, which is part of autonomous Bodoland Territorial Area Districts under Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC).
A former ULFA commander, Sarania got massive backing from nearly 70% non- Bodo population of the constituency and won by a handsome margin of around 3.66 lakh votes over independent candidate UG Brahma.
UG Brahma is in the fray in 2019 too and is contesting on United People's Party Liberal (UPPL) ticket. Sahitya Akademi Winner Brahma has supported the cause for the separate state of Bodoland and is supported by pro-Bodoland groups like ABSU, NDFB (P). However, UPPL has also allied with AIUDF with the aim to win the 20% Muslim votes in the seat.
Another key contender in running is Assam social welfare minister Pramila Rani Brahma, who is contesting on Bodoland Peoples' Front (BPF) ticket. BPF is a BJP ally and is hoping to turn the tide after 2014 when it came third in the constituency. Pramila has won the Kokrajhar East assembly seat six times since 1991. Also in the fight is Sabda Ram Rabha of Congress. In the past, D Basumatari of Congress has won the seat four times. Sansuma Khunggur Bwiswmuthiary as Independent has also won this ST- reserved seat four times.
The assembly segments under Kokrajhar are Gossaigaon, Kokrajhar East (ST), Kokrajhar West (ST), Sidli (ST), Bijni, Sorbhog, Bhabanipur, Tamulpur, Barama (ST) and Chapaguri (ST). Election is slated to be held on 23rd April.
