Assam: Dhubri panchayat election candidate shifts from rallies to tea stall talks

With the Panchayat elections nearing, candidates in Assam’s Dhubri district are trading grand rallies for quiet conversations, tapping into the power of daily social life in the riverine char areas. Tea stalls and local markets—core gathering points in these flood-prone islands—have emerged as strategic campaign hotspots.

 

In a notable departure from traditional mass rallies, candidates are leveraging the familiar social settings of tea stalls and local markets, turning them into centres of political discourse. In the sprawling char areas of Dhubri, a local candidate has embraced the "juicy chat at the tea stall" approach, recognising the tea stall's pivotal role in the daily lives of the riverine communities.

 

These informal gatherings, usually filled with casual banter, are now platforms for political engagement. Candidates are using these opportunities to connect directly with voters, discussing local issues, and outlining their visions for the Panchayat. The "juicy chat" strategy resonates deeply with the char dwellers, fostering a sense of accessibility and direct engagement often missing in large political rallies.

 

Meanwhile, in the Birsing Jarua Assembly constituency, nestled within the char landscape, Congress candidate Rafiqul Islam Chowdhury, vying for the Chalakura Zilla Parishad seat, is actively campaigning at the bustling Birsing Market. Surrounded by the sights and sounds of the riverine economy, Chowdhury is focusing on face-to-face interactions with market-goers, understanding their unique challenges and aspirations.

 

The char's distinct socio-economic realities, often shaped by the river's ebb and flow, demand a personalised approach, and Chowdhury's market campaign reflects this understanding. The unconventional campaign tactics employed in these riverine areas highlight the importance of grassroots engagement in the Panchayat elections.

 

Candidates are tapping into the strong social fabric of the char communities, using familiar spaces to build trust and rapport.