Guwahati, March 20: Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday filed his nomination from the Jalukbari Assembly constituency, formally entering the fray for the Assam Legislative Assembly elections 2026 as he seeks another term in office.
Sarma submitted his nomination papers at the District Commissioner’s office in Kamrup (Metropolitan) district in Guwahati, accompanied by a large number of Bharatiya Janata Party supporters, marking a strong show of political mobilisation ahead of the April 9 polls.
Describing this as his “seventh election”, the Chief Minister outlined a campaign focused on identity and development. He said the party’s priorities would be to “secure the identity of Assam” while accelerating development, expressing confidence of receiving full public support.
Responding to remarks by Gaurav Gogoi, who had framed the election as a contest centred around Sarma, the BJP leader said such comments should be taken as a compliment, adding that it reflects his growing political stature.
Sarma also indicated that the BJP expects further entrants from rival parties and reiterated his position on consolidating support, stating that unity among Hindus remains part of his broader political objective.
A five-time MLA from Jalukbari, Sarma was first elected in 2001 on a Congress ticket before shifting to the BJP ahead of the 2016 elections, after which he emerged as a central figure in Assam politics. His wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, expressed confidence in the party’s prospects, stating that voters have responded positively to the changes witnessed in the state and that the party is aiming for a sweeping mandate.
The election will see a contest between the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance and the Congress. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4. In the 2021 Assembly elections, the NDA secured 75 out of 126 seats, with the BJP winning 60, while the Congress-led alliance managed 16 seats.
