The BJP on Wednesday released its first list of 88 candidates for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, putting an end to days of speculation over ticket distribution.
In a significant political move, the ruling party has fielded two recent entrants from the Congress—Pradyut Bordoloi from Dispur and Bhupen Kumar Borah from Bihpuria.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will once again contest from his stronghold Jalukbari. Other prominent candidates include Ranjeet Kumar Dass (Bhowanipur-Sorbhog), Jayanta Malla Baruah (Nalbari), Chandra Mohan Patowary (Tihu), Biswajit Daimary (Tamulpur), Ranoj Pegu (Dhemaji), Ashok Singhal (Dhekiajuli), Dr Rajdeep Roy (Silchar), Pallab Lochan Das (Biswanath), Rameswar Teli (Duliajan), and Sushanta Borgohain (Demow), among others.
The party has also given representation to women, fielding six candidates—Madhavi Das (Birsing-Jarua), Jyotsna Kalita (Chamaria), Nilima Devi (Mangaldai), Ajanta Neog (Golaghat), Niso Terangpi (Diphu) and Rupali Langthasa (Haflong).
The list was finalised by the BJP’s Central Election Committee at a meeting chaired by party president Nitin Nabin on Wednesday evening. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other senior leaders. Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia was also present.
In a notable development, the BJP has dropped 15 sitting MLAs from its first list. Prominent among them are Siddhartha Bhattacharya (New Guwahati) and Atul Bora (Dispur). Sitting legislators from several constituencies—including Bihpuria, Bijni, Hojai, Katigorah, Silchar, Udharbond, Abhayapuri, Palashbari, Biswanath, Borsola, Bihali, Bokajan, Diphu and Haflong—have also been denied tickets.
The announcement signals a mix of continuity and change in the party’s strategy as it gears up for the Assembly polls.
