BJP releases first list of 88 candidates for Assam polls, fields Himanta Sarma from Jalukbari, Bordoloi in Dispur

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday released its first list of 88 candidates for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, fielding Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma from his stronghold Jalukbari. The announcement comes as political activity intensifies in the state ahead of the polls.

The list includes several prominent leaders and new entrants, with Pradyut Bordoloi fielded from Dispur and Bhupen Kumar Borah contesting from Bihpuria. Senior leaders such as Ranjeet Kumar Dass have been nominated from Bhowanipur-Sorbhog, while ministers Jayanta Malla Baruah and Chandra Mohan Patowary will contest from Nalbari and Tihu respectively.

The party has also fielded candidates across key constituencies including Tamulpur, Dhemaji, and Ram Krishna Nagar, reflecting a mix of experienced leaders and fresh faces. Notably, the BJP has nominated six women candidates in its first list, indicating a push for broader representation in the electoral fray.

The candidate selection was finalised by the party’s Central Election Committee in a high-level meeting attended by top leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The move is part of the BJP’s strategy to retain power in the 126-member Assam Assembly.

In a related development, Prateek Bordoloi announced that he would not contest the elections on a Congress ticket from Margherita following his father’s switch to the BJP. With the first list out, the stage is now set for an intense electoral contest as parties gear up for the upcoming polls.