Himanta Biswa Sarma: BJP can contest 103 Assam seats, gets Assamese Muslim votes, claims 30,000 in his constituency

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on November 21 outlined the BJP’s electoral strategy for the state, stating that the party and its allies realistically cannot win more than 100 seats due to Assam’s population distribution. 

“We can contest in 103 of the 126 seats in Assam. But it does not mean that we can't contest in other seats. In terms of the population pattern, the BJP and our ally parties can only reach 103 seats. Our footprint will be in 103 seats,” he said.

The Chief Minister highlighted changes following the recent delimitation exercise, noting that while the BJP previously contested in 90 constituencies, 10–15 new constituencies have now emerged where there is currently no sitting MLA. “Organically, we can bring forward youth and women this time,” Sarma added, signalling a push to promote fresh faces within the party.

Addressing community support, Sarma claimed that the BJP continues to receive votes from Assamese Muslims, but clarified that the party does not expect backing from Miya Muslims. He also noted that in his own constituency, the party secures up to 30,000 Muslim votes, reflecting strong support among the Assamese Muslim electorate.

The Chief Minister’s remarks come as the BJP prepares to consolidate its position in Assam ahead of the next assembly elections, aiming to expand its footprint while accommodating demographic realities.