The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has officially begun its campaign for the 2026 Assam Assembly elections with a statewide wall-writing programme. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the initiative on Monday by painting the BJP’s lotus election symbol on a wall near Kendriya Vidyalaya at Khanapara in Guwahati.
Party workers and supporters gathered at the site as the Chief Minister picked up a brush and painted the flower, which is the BJP’s symbol. The moment was seen as the formal beginning of the election campaign ahead of polls expected around March or April this year.
Earlier on January 4 , The Chief Minister referred to the recent delimitation exercise carried out on the basis of the 2001 census. He said the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) could win more than 100 of the 126 Assembly seats in the coming election, compared to 75 seats won in 2021. He further highlighted government initiatives such as transparent job recruitments, schemes for the youth and ongoing work in infrastructure, including plans linked to the proposed Doloo Airport project. 
Sarma said the government remains focused on unity, safeguarding indigenous communities and stopping illegal infiltration. He urged the people to remain alert and work together to ensure long-term peace and stability in the state.
At the same time, the opposition Congress party has intensified its preparations for the 2026 elections. Party leaders have questioned several government policies and called some announcements politically motivated. Congress leaders Debabrata Saikia and Ripun Bora have criticised decisions linked to welfare schemes, including Orunodoi payouts and advance financial assistance before Bihu, saying these benefit announcements were aimed at influencing voters.
There have also been signs of strain within the opposition alliance, as Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi has said the Congress is likely to contest more than 100 seats. This has led to concerns among smaller parties about seat-sharing arrangements. Gogoi has sharply criticised the Chief Minister, stating that the people of Assam want change in 2026. Other leaders, including Akhil Gogoi, have also targeted Sarma and hinted at legal scrutiny of past issues. Meanwhile, national leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has been given responsibility for candidate screening in Assam, showing the party’s focus on the state.
