Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on January 5 said that his party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has matters well under control when it comes to deciding candidates for the upcoming assembly elections. According to him, in many parts of the state there is only one major contender for a BJP ticket, which, he said, reflects internal calm and discipline. However, ground reports from several constituencies suggest that the picture may be more complicated, with far more names emerging as ticket aspirants than the chief minister indicated.
Speaking to reporters, Sarma said the BJP had strengthened significantly over the last decade through its focus on development. He claimed that in about half of Assam’s 126 assembly seats, there is only one serious contender for a BJP nomination. In some constituencies there may be two aspirants, he said, but they generally accept the final decision. He dismissed reports of widespread competition for tickets, saying such situations existed in only 10 to 12 constituencies.
Sarma also highlighted an internal rule that district presidents are discouraged from seeking election tickets while in office. According to him, this ensures that they work for the broader organisation rather than pursuing personal ambitions. He said most district presidents accept this condition and are not currently seeking to contest elections, though there may be exceptions. 
The chief minister argued that such discipline has helped the BJP consolidate its position in Assam. The party plans to contest around 103 of the 126 seats in the 2026 polls, leaving the rest for allies including the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP). In the 2021 election, the BJP itself won 60 seats, while allies helped secure a total majority of 75 seats.
However, political activity on the ground appears to contradict the chief minister’s claims. In the Dispur constituency, for instance, sources say multiple leaders are seeking BJP tickets. In Guwahati and neighbouring areas, several names are being discussed, including former BJP worker Deban Dhruba Jyoti Moral and local leader Vijay Gupta. Others said to be in the reckoning include Mahila Morcha leaders, Rama Dutta, Ramendra Narayan Kalita, Rajkumar Sharma, and again, Vijay Gupta, whose name is reportedly gaining strong support.
In New Guwahati and the older parts of the city, more names are frequently mentioned, such as Santanu Bharali and Ashok Bharali. Within BJP organisational circles, youth wing activist Sujit Das and sports cell member Divyajyoti are also being discussed. Party sources say that in some areas, the number of aspirants already exceeds a dozen.
Similar reports are emerging from constituencies across Assam, with at least 10 to 12 aspirants reportedly seeking BJP nominations in many seats. While some interpret this as evidence of the party’s growing popularity, it also presents challenges in managing internal expectations.
The growing political competition also comes at a time when Assam is seeing an increase in the number of political parties. Meanwhile, the BJP continues to promote its programmes ahead of the 2026 polls, including campaigns and eviction drives such as a proposed operation in Tezpur covering 5,000 bighas of land.
Sarma has also intensified attacks on the Congress, alleging that the party sells tickets for crores of rupees in minority-dominated seats and refuses to refund advances. Congress leaders rejected the charge, saying they rely on contributions from party workers.
While Sarma has urged party leaders not to be complacent despite favourable surveys, the rising number of aspirants could test the party’s unity in the months ahead.
