BJP Prepares for 2026 Assam Elections with Candidate Announcements Expected Soon

BJP's Election Strategy for Assam

Baksa, Dec 30: Following Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent visit to Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Tuesday that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is gearing up for the 2026 Assembly elections. The party plans to reveal its candidates in the first or second week of February.

Speaking to reporters in Salbari, located in Baksa district of the Bodoland Territorial Region, Sarma expressed confidence in contesting the elections alongside its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners, optimistic about forming the next government in Assam.

"We will disclose our candidates in early February. Our strategy involves collaborating with our allies for the 2026 elections. I am hopeful that the BJP will lead the government that will advance Assam's progress," he stated.

The Chief Minister noted that discussions regarding seat-sharing within the NDA are ongoing, especially concerning the Bodoland Territorial Region.

Regarding the Sixth Schedule area, he mentioned that the BJP anticipates contesting five to six constituencies, with final decisions pending discussions with alliance partners.

"The BJP is positioned to compete for five to six constituencies in the BTC. If a coalition forms, the situation may evolve. Given our organizational strength, we should secure five to six seats even in a coalition. The final outcome will depend on forthcoming discussions," Sarma elaborated.

He acknowledged the intricate nature of alliances in the region, highlighting that while partners are united in Dispur, the dynamics differ in Bodoland.

"The atmosphere in BTC and Dispur varies. We are united in Dispur, but in BTC, the BPF and UPPL are functioning independently," he remarked.

These comments come amid signs of tension with NDA ally United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), which, despite having a minister in the Assam cabinet, indicated on December 10 that it might contest the 2026 Assembly elections independently due to its expanding organizational base.

On the other hand, Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) leader Hagrama Mohilary has shown interest in aligning with the NDA, stating that the BPF aims to contest at least 15 Assembly seats and is open to a coalition with the BJP-led alliance.

Reflecting on the past year, Sarma described 2025 as a year of contrasts for Assam, expressing sorrow over the loss of Zubeen Garg. He noted that while significant work was accomplished, the historic Brindavani Bastra agreement represented a major cultural achievement.

"The bastra that the Assamese people have not seen for 600 years will now be accessible to them," the Chief Minister concluded.