The distinction of being the first woman Member of Parliament (MP) from Assam belongs to Mofida Ahmed, who entered the Indian Parliament after Independence. She was one of the first few Muslim women to be a Member of Parliament in India. Her achievement marked a groundbreaking moment in Assam’s political history, as she became the first female voice to represent the state on the national stage.
She was born in Jorhat Town to Md. Barua Ali in November 1921. She pursued her education privately. Later in life, she contributed articles to Assamese journals.
In the 1957 parliamentary elections, Mofida Ahmed of the Jorhat parliamentary constituency won 80,028 votes, not 80,023. According to the election results, Ahmed secured 80,028 votes, defeating Syed Abdul Malik of the CPI, who received 33,713 votes.
Mofida Ahmed’s election was not just a political milestone but also a symbol of progress for women’s empowerment in Assam. At a time when women's participation in politics was rare, she set an example for future generations of Assamese women leaders to step into decision-making roles.
Her contributions remain a source of inspiration, highlighting Assam’s role in advancing women’s representation in Indian democracy. Today, she is remembered as a pioneer who opened the path for women’s active involvement in both state and national politics.