BJP–AGP alliance set before Magh Bihu, 2026 tickets to prioritise youth and women: Assam CM

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa, Sarma on December 5, announced that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will prioritise youth and women candidates in the 2026 Assembly elections. Addressing a programme in Umrangso, Dima Hasao district, he said the party’s strategy aims to ensure that the BJP remains a youth-centric organisation.

 

The chief minister said the party is planning to field three to four candidates younger than Taranga Gogoi and will nominate more women candidates than it did in the previous elections.

 

Sarma also stated that the BJP–AGP alliance for the upcoming Assembly elections would be finalised before Magh Bihu, with seat-sharing discussions already in progress. He added that talks had been held with AGP leader Keshab Mahanta and indicated that there may be friendly contests between the two allies in a few constituencies. The alliance is expected to be finalised by January 15.
 

Attacking the Congress, the Chief Minister claimed that even Congress leaders were reluctant to see their party return to power, arguing that significant development has taken place in Assam under the BJP government. He cited improvements in Haflong, Karbi Anglong, and other hill districts, saying these regions have witnessed “unimaginable transformation” compared to the past.

 

Responding to comments by Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi regarding the arrival of the Vrindavani Vastra, Sarma criticised the remarks, asserting that they showed disrespect towards Srimanta Sankardev and Assamese cultural heritage.

 

On the ongoing investigation into the death of musician Zubeen Garg, the chief minister said the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is expected to submit the chargesheet within this week. He said the investigation file has grown to more than 3,500 pages, which has contributed to the delay. While the SIT had initially indicated a submission by December 18, Sarma said he had instructed them to file it between December 6 and 12.

 

Earlier in the day, he inaugurated the Assam Cricket Association’s new stadium in Umrangso, calling it a proud moment for the Dima Hasao district. He said Umrangso, with its lakes, pelicans, caves, and the Pamimur waterfalls, has the potential to develop into a tourism destination similar to Kaziranga and Manas. The new stadium includes a green gallery and a pavilion named after Tularam Senapati, and the government plans to add floodlights soon. He also mentioned efforts to invite top Indian cricketers, including MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, for a match to promote the region.

 

The chief minister highlighted the district’s growing focus on homestays as a means to increase local income and praised the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council for constructing a football stadium in Umrangso. He said the government has advised the addition of a synthetic track to help nurture local sports talent and expand opportunities for youth in the police, CRPF, and the armed forces.