Assam CM Sets Deadline for BJP's Seat-Sharing Strategy Ahead of Elections

BJP's Strategic Moves in Assam

Guwahati, Jan 8: In Assam, political parties are still keeping their seat-sharing strategies under wraps. However, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has made it clear that the ruling BJP plans to finalize its seat-sharing agreements with allies by February 15.

This announcement was notable as it was accompanied by the early declaration of candidates, indicating the BJP's determination to take decisive action.

During the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan event in Lakhimpur, Sarma confirmed Manob Deka as the BJP candidate for Lakhimpur, following the previous day's announcement of Naba Doley for Dhakuakhana.

“I prefer to announce candidates openly rather than hinting. Yesterday, it was Naba Doley for Dhakuakhana, and today it is Manob Deka for Lakhimpur,” Sarma stated to the media.

This marks only the second candidate announcement in the state, with Raijor Dal having previously named its candidate for the Margherita constituency, while many parties remain hesitant to make public commitments.

Regarding alliance discussions within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Sarma expressed confidence that the BJP would amicably address seat-sharing matters with its longstanding ally, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), by the February 15 deadline.

In response to AGP's requests for specific constituencies, he emphasized that coalition politics allows for negotiation.

“Every party has the right to make demands. We will finalize our alliances before February 15. If AGP wishes to contest in certain seats, they are welcome to do so. We will compete amicably,” he remarked.

Sarma assured that the BJP would not pressure AGP to withdraw any candidates.

“We hold AGP in high regard and will not compel them to withdraw candidates. Decisions on where we will not contest will also be made by February 15,” he added.

The Chief Minister also took the opportunity to criticize the Opposition, claiming that rival parties have largely retreated from the political arena.

“When we were in the Opposition, we were active day and night. Now, the Opposition seems to have vanished. They have given up,” he commented.

Focusing his criticism on the Congress party, Sarma questioned its relevance in Assam's political scene, alleging that it has lost its grassroots support.

With early candidate announcements and a clear deadline for alliance decisions, the BJP is poised to take the lead ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.