GUWAHATI – Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Wednesday that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has entered the final screening phase for the upcoming Assembly elections, asserting that the party holds a “strong position” across all 126 constituencies.
Speaking to the media in Guwahati, the Chief Minister confirmed that the state election committee is meeting to narrow down the field. “We have shortlisted three names for most constituencies, while in some, a single candidate has already been identified,” Sarma stated. The final list now awaits the seal of approval from the Central Parliamentary Board.
Governance and Administrative Boost
Before shifting to election strategy, the Chief Minister presided over a major administrative event at the Damodardeva International Auditorium in Panjabari.
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New Appointments: Sarma ceremonially distributed appointment letters to newly selected Assam Civil Service (ACS) officers and allied service candidates, urging them to lead with “dedication and integrity.”
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Forestry Modernization: In a move to bolster environmental protection, he flagged off 143 new vehicles for the Forest Department. These units are specifically intended to enhance field-level monitoring in Assam’s remote and protected regions.
Political Strategy and Defections
Addressing rumors of “party hopping” ahead of the polls, the Chief Minister remained pragmatic about the shifting political landscape. While acknowledging that leaders often switch sides during election season, he issued a clear caveat for those eyeing the saffron party.
“Whoever joins the BJP cannot be assured of a ticket,” Sarma remarked, emphasizing that merit and party screening take precedence over recent entries.
Responding to queries regarding high-profile contests, specifically in the Jorhat constituency and the challenge posed by Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi, Sarma maintained that the BJP is fully prepared for a sweep across the state.
Key Takeaways from the BJP Strategy Meeting:
| Feature | Details |
| Shortlisting Status | 1 to 3 names per constituency currently under review. |
| Final Authority | BJP Central Parliamentary Board. |
| Constituency Focus | Full preparedness for all 126 seats. |
| Candidate Criteria | Emphasis on existing strong candidates over new defectors. |
