Himanta hails Saikia’s rise as BJP state president, emphasizes party’s commitment to grassroots leadership
Guwahati, Jan 17: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed confidence that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will secure over 100 seats in the 2026 Assembly elections under the leadership of newly appointed state BJP president Dilip Saikia.
Addressing the fourth day of the Sangathan Parba at Vajpayee Bhawan in Guwahati, Sarma drew a symbolic reference to Saikia’s surname, stating: “Saikia means an authority over 100 people. We hope that under his leadership, the BJP and its allies will cross the 100-seat mark in the 2026 Assembly elections.”
Sarma emphasized that while the BJP already has a strong presence with over 64 MLAs, the party remains committed to its alliance partners.
“We have the numbers to govern independently, but we stand by our allies. I believe the BJP alone will secure over 75 seats, and with our allies, we will surpass 100,” he stated.
Reflecting on Saikia’s journey from an Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) activist to becoming Assam’s first national general secretary and now state president, Sarma hailed the BJP’s commitment to meritocracy.
“BJP doesn’t select leaders based on royal lineage. A common swayamsevak, through dedication and honesty, can rise to lead the party. This is what sets us apart from dynastic parties like Congress,” Sarma said.
Sarma took a jibe at the opposition, contrasting the BJP’s leadership model with Congress’s preference for political dynasties, “In Congress, leadership is decided by family lineage. They wait for a royal heir like a street dog jumps at someone holding a biscuit. But BJP looks for a committed karyakarta—a common man who becomes extraordinary through his work.”
The Chief Minister further asserted that the BJP’s internal democracy extends to all levels, from booth and mandal presidents to state and national leadership.
“Our strength comes from the grassroots. We don’t seek leaders from palaces but from the homes of ordinary people. That is what makes BJP the most glorified political party in India,” Sarma also said.
Sarma recounted the BJP’s recent electoral triumphs, highlighting victories in municipal, Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), and Dima Hasao Autonomous Council (DHAC) elections.
He recalled BJP’s success in the Samaguri bypoll—an area with 65% minority voters—where the party ended Congress’s 25-year hold.
Sarma also outlined the BJP’s organizational growth, “In recent years, we have built a robust party infrastructure—state headquarters, 31 district offices, and over 200 mandal offices. Today, we have 65 lakh primary members and 68,000 active workers. In 95% of mandals, presidents were elected without internal disputes.”
Declaring 2024 a year of political challenges, Sarma urged party workers to gear up for the upcoming panchayat and tribal council elections, setting the stage for the 2026 Assembly polls.
“This year is a test of our hard work and dedication. We must aim for all 126 Assembly seats, ensuring the BJP’s dominance in Assam,” he said.
At the event, Dilip Saikia formally took charge from outgoing president Bhabesh Kalita, receiving the party flag in the presence of Union Minister for Cultural Affairs Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra, Assam BJP in-charge Harish Dwivedi, and organizing secretary J Ravindra Raju.
Three former Assam BJP presidents Ranjeet Kumar Dass, Siddhartha Bhattacharyya, and Narayan Barkataky also attended the ceremony.
