Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has nearly finalized its list of candidates for 80 assembly constituencies in the upcoming Assam elections. According to Sarma, only approval from the party’s central leadership remains pending before the nominations are officially announced. He emphasised that the party is committed to fielding strong candidates in key constituencies to maintain its electoral momentum and consolidate its position in the state.
Bhupen Borah’s Candidature Confirmed for Consideration
Addressing questions regarding former Congress MLA Bhupen Borah, Sarma confirmed that Borah’s name will be considered for tickets from both Bihpuria and Ranganadi constituencies. “We will give ticket to a good candidate in Bihpuria. Bhupen Borah’s name will also come for consideration. He is, after all, a former MLA from Bihpuria,” Sarma said. The Chief Minister dismissed reports of dissatisfaction among BJP workers regarding Borah’s induction, stressing that proper respect and recognition will be given to the former Congress leader.
Opposition Alliances and Defections
Sarma claimed that the proposed alliance between the Congress and Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) is nearly finalized, signalling potential consolidation in the opposition bloc. He further revealed that ‘rebel’ Congress MLAs Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha, Basanta Das, and Sashi Kanta Das are likely to join the BJP soon. While speculations continue about other Congress leaders possibly defecting, Sarma clarified that the party currently has no vacant tickets and cannot accommodate further entrants immediately, though several Hindu leaders from the Congress are expected to switch allegiances in the coming period.
Clarifying Speculations and Strategic Moves
The Chief Minister also addressed rumours about Congress MLA Rekibuddin Ahmed joining the BJP, dismissing them outright. “What relation has Rekibuddin Ahmed with us? We do not have any relation with him. Maybe such news has been floated from within the Congress by somebody deprived of ticket. Can anybody win from the Chamaria constituency by joining the AGP or the BJP?” he remarked. Sarma further explained that the Sonai MLA is expected to join the AGP after leaving the AIUDF, confirming that an understanding has already been reached between the parties.
