Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma says BJP will retain power in 2026 and 2031, while Congress rejects his claims and vows to fight polls strongly.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma addresses party workers amid rising political activity ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections (Photo: File)
NEW DELHI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday projected strong confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party's prospects, asserting that the party is well placed to retain power in the 2026 Assam Assembly elections and again in 2031. He claimed the Indian National Congress remains electorally unprepared and lacks the momentum to mount a serious challenge.
With the Assembly polls scheduled between mid-March and April next year, political activity across Assam has intensified, with both the BJP and the Congress stepping up outreach and campaign efforts. As part of its offensive, the BJP sharpened its criticism of the Congress. Sarma said the opposition appeared to be focusing on the 2036 elections rather than preparing for the immediate contests, adding that outcomes for 2026 and 2031 were already decided. He alleged the Congress had failed to expand beyond a fixed vote share and showed little evidence of meaningful grassroots organisation.
Citing the BJP government's record over the past five years, Sarma said the party had set a target of securing 50 per cent of the vote share in the upcoming elections. "We have governed Assam well, and this time our goal is to achieve a 50 per cent vote share," he said. He also expressed confidence that government initiatives would tap the Brahmaputra's potential and develop it into a major tourism hub over time.
Highlighting women's participation, Sarma said women leaders are now represented at every level of the party, from Zila Parishads to the state Cabinet, and could account for nearly 30 per cent of BJP candidates in the Assembly polls. Claiming electoral consolidation, he said the BJP has strengthened its position in nearly 18 constituencies, including Makum in Tinsukia district, Central Guwahati, Goalpara and Boko in Kamrup district. He added that the recent reorganisation creating 18 new seats would remove the need for internal ticket adjustments.
On alliances, Sarma said talks with National Democratic Alliance partners—Asom Gana Parishad, United People's Party Liberal and Bodoland People's Front—were progressing smoothly. "We still have time until April to finalise arrangements" he said.
Meanwhile, Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi rejected what he described as threats and intimidation by Sarma, saying he was unfazed by political pressure. "I am not bothered by the CM's threats. Let him carry on. The people of Assam no longer take such remarks seriously," he said, adding that politics rooted in fear is short-lived. Emphasising accountability, Gogoi said power is not permanent and leaders must ultimately live among the people.
