Guwahati, Nov 25: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who was a star campaigner for BJP in Jharkhand assembly elections, asserted that he had “never” claimed the party would win or form the next government in the state.
Addressing a press conference in Guwahati on Sunday, he said, “Whenever you (media) asked me about Jharkhand, I said that it is a difficult state. I never claimed that we would win.”
“It was a tough job for our party to fight there, but we did a good job under the given circumstances,” said Sarma, who served as co-in-charge of the BJP’s poll campaign in Jharkhand.
Reflecting on the results, Sarma acknowledged that the BJP could not meet its goal for “whatever reason,” but emphasized the importance of persistence. “Whenever we are unsuccessful in something, the failed attempt serves as a foundation for future success,” he remarked, underscoring the party’s resolve to continue working toward its objectives in the region.
As regards to Assam by-elections, Sarma outlined the BJP’s strategy for the 2026 Assembly elections, targeting five key constituencies: Laharighat, South Karimganj, North Karimganj, Samaguri and Rupahi.
Sarma noted the party’s significant success in constituencies with a high percentage of religious minorities, like Karimganj, where 65% of the population belongs to minority communities.
Sarma also linked recent electoral victories to the BJP’s principled approach towards governance, including its stance on minority votes. He reiterated the party’s commitment to justice over appeasement, stating, “We do not have an appeasement policy, but we advocate for justice to all. That’s the reflection of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”
He further emphasized that the BJP will continue seeking votes in minority-dominated areas with this clear principle.
He also drew attention to recent evictions in areas like Kachutoli and Kaziranga, associating these with electoral gains. Sarma added that while the BJP aims to expand its influence across Assam, its focus will remain targeted due to current political realities. “I have my pathway already defined,” he stated, indicating a well-planned roadmap for the party’s future electoral strategy.
Sarma expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received from the people of Assam in the recent by election to five assembly constituencies.
“While four seats were already with us, the victory in Samaguri marked a significant milestone, as it came under the BJP’s fold for the first time in 25 years,” Sarma said.
Sarma dismissed claims that Maulana Badruddin Ajmal and his party, the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), contributed to BJP’s success. He asserted that the BJP’s win in Samaguri disproves the narrative and said, “We will get Samaguri minus Badruddin,” emphasizing that AIUDF’s presence historically reduces BJP’s vote share.
“The by-election is often considered a burden for a government ahead of assembly elections. But the people of Assam blessed us in a big way,” Sarma said.
