Assam CM Dismisses Pabitra Margherita's Candidacy for Jorhat
Political Landscape Ahead of Assam Elections
Guwahati, March 6: As the Assam Assembly elections draw near, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has firmly stated that Union Minister Pabitra Margherita will not be contesting from the Jorhat constituency. He emphasized that the BJP currently has no intentions of involving Margherita in state politics.
During a press interaction prior to launching the fifth day of the Jana Ashirwad Yatra from Naharkatia, Sarma expressed the party's desire for Margherita to remain in his role within the Union government, where he serves as Minister of State for External Affairs under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“It is a significant achievement for Assam to have someone like Pabitra Margherita in such a prominent position. We do not wish to lose this opportunity,” Sarma remarked.
He further stated, “There is no necessity for him to join the State Legislative Assembly. Our aim is for him to continue contributing to the Cabinet of Prime Minister Modi, thereby enhancing Assam's reputation.”
While Sarma mentioned that Margherita's candidacy could be considered for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, he clarified that there are no plans to field him in the upcoming Assembly elections.
“For the 2026 Assembly elections, the BJP has not proposed or planned to nominate him,” Sarma confirmed.
Regarding potential candidates for Jorhat, Sarma indicated that the party has several strong local options.
“We have numerous capable candidates from Jorhat, individuals with humble beginnings who are well-liked by the community. We will select one from these local names,” he stated.
On the situation in Sivasagar, Sarma noted that a final decision has yet to be made.
“We have not reached a conclusion regarding Sivasagar. The AGP is keen on this seat, and there are also many aspirants from our party. Ongoing discussions are taking place,” he added.
Commenting on the discord within the opposition alliance concerning seat-sharing between the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee and Raijor Dal, Sarma predicted that this uncertainty would persist until nominations are finalized.
“This drama will continue until the last moment of nomination and withdrawal,” Sarma quipped.
Additionally, he mentioned that with Jogen Mohan, the MLA from Mahmora, being nominated for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, the BJP plans to field a local candidate for the Mahmora Assembly constituency in the 2026 elections.