Dibrugarh, March 26 -- Once regarded as the Congress party's political fortress in the Northeast, second only to Rae Bareli, Dibrugarh has witnessed a remarkable political turnaround, emerging today as a stronghold firmly under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The contrast is striking. In 1982, the BJP's presence in the constituency was almost negligible, with its candidate managing to secure barely around 260-270 votes. At the time, Congress commanded overwhelming support, particularly from the influential tea garden community, which formed the backbone of its electoral dominance.

The shift began in 2006, when BJP leader Prashant Phukan delivered a breakthrough victory. In a closely fought contest, he defeated Congress heavyweight Kal...