Assam CM Sets New Deadline for NDA Seat-Sharing Agreement Ahead of Elections
New Deadline for Seat-Sharing Agreement
Guwahati, Feb 27: The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has announced a revised deadline of March 10 to finalize the seat-sharing arrangement within the ruling NDA for the upcoming Assembly elections. This marks a shift from previous statements suggesting that the agreement was already in place.
During a press conference on Thursday, Sarma indicated that discussions are still ongoing with key coalition partners, including the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF).
“We expect to conclude our discussions with the BPF within a day or two, and finalize the agreement with AGP by March 9-10. We aim to announce the alliance by March 10,” Sarma stated.
The Chief Minister also confirmed that the seat-sharing deal with the Rabha Hasong Joutha Sangram Samiti (RHJSS) has already been finalized.
He acknowledged that the negotiations with other partners have taken longer than expected, partly due to the ongoing Rajya Sabha elections and the necessity for thorough consultations.
Previously, on January 7, Sarma had indicated that the agreement with AGP and other smaller regional parties would be formalized by February 15.
In December, he had set January 15 as the target date for concluding discussions.
Currently, the BJP, AGP, United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), and BPF have representation in the assembly, while RHJSS and Janashakti Party are part of the NDA without any MLAs.
Additionally, Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia clarified that the party has yet to finalize any candidates for the Assembly elections, emphasizing that all decisions will be made by the party’s parliamentary board following the proper procedures.
Saikia noted that candidate selection will be based on the party's evaluation criteria, which prioritize organizational strength, public acceptance, and potential for victory, rather than personal preferences. He also highlighted that the party does not differentiate between new and experienced leaders; merit, commitment, and grassroots performance will guide the nomination process.