Assam CM Himanta Sarma Expresses Confidence in BJP-AGP Alliance Ahead of Final Campaign Phase
In Guwahati and Silchar, ahead of the concluding leg of the BJP and NDA campaign for the Assam assembly elections starting Monday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma participated in a closed-door meeting with party leaders and candidates in Silchar on Sunday. Exuding optimism, Sarma stated that the BJP and its ally, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), are poised to win 11 of the 13 assembly seats in the Barak Valley region.
Strategic Meetings and Tribal Outreach Initiatives
Earlier on Sunday, Sarma conducted a series of meetings in Haflong with apex tribal bodies of Dima Hasao, executive members of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC), and BJP district functionaries. During these discussions, he announced that if the BJP-led government returns to power, the number of seats in the NCHAC will be increased from 28 to 40. This move aims to ensure broader representation for all tribal communities within the hill council, addressing long-standing demands for inclusivity.
This outreach to tribal communities comes amid internal discord within the BJP's district unit, following the nomination of new candidate Rupali Langthasa instead of sitting MLA and minister Nandita Gorlosa. Sarma also confirmed that, if elected, the government will proceed with the bifurcation of Dima Hasao, a persistent demand from various non-Dimasa groups. The Indigenous Peoples' Forum (IPF), representing communities such as Biete, Hmar, Kuki, Karbi, Vaiphei, Zeme Naga, and Khelma, has been leading this call, citing provisions under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Upcoming Campaign Events and Electoral Predictions
On Monday, Sarma will launch a massive Jan Ashirwad Yatra in his home constituency of Jalukbari, marking the start of the final phase of the BJP's campaign. He expressed his enthusiasm on social media, writing, "My Jalukbari fam, I will see you all tomorrow during the #JanaAshirwadYatra, which will pass through the constituency and seek your blessings as I get ready to represent your aspirations for the 6th consecutive time."
The campaign schedule includes a rally and mega roadshow in the Bhawanipur-Sorbhog constituency in lower Assam on Tuesday, supporting senior BJP leader Ranjeet Kumar Dass in a CPM stronghold. On Wednesday and Thursday, Sarma will address Vijay Sankalp Sabhas in Hojai, Lumding, and Nagaon in central Assam, followed by similar events in Golakganj, Abhayapuri, Barpeta, and Bajali in lower Assam. He added, "I seek the blessings of our people as I cover 9 constituencies over the next 4 days through our Jana Ashirwad Yatra and Vijay Sankalp Sabha. Join us and show your love as we continue on our path of Seva and Samarpan."
Confidence in Alliance's Electoral Prospects
Sarma further projected that the BJP-led alliance has the potential to win 104 of the 126 Assembly seats in Assam. He remarked, "On how many seats we will win, I will be able to know when my rallies start," indicating that the campaign events will provide clearer insights into voter sentiment. This statement underscores the strategic importance of the upcoming rallies in gauging and consolidating support across the state.
