If BJP wins, will Himanta and Sarbananda swap positions? Sarbananda answers

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and former Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, on February 25, avoided speculation over a possible leadership swap with incumbent Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma if the BJP wins the 2026 Assembly elections.

Speaking at the India Today Infrastructure Conclave 2026 — Roads, Airports, Ports & Power, Sonowal was responding to a question posed by Kaushik Deka, Managing Editor of India Today Magazine. 

Deka referred to Sonowal’s move from state politics to the Centre in 2021 and asked whether there was a possibility of him and Sarma exchanging positions in 2026 if the BJP returns to power in Assam.

In response, Sonowal said, “I am a committed soldier of the BJP, and whatever the party decides, I act accordingly. This is my commitment. As you know, the principle line is very clear — according to BJP, nation first, party second and self last.”

His remarks come amid renewed political chatter over alleged tension between Sarbananda Sonowal and Himanta Biswa Sarma over leadership issues within the Bharatiya Janata Party in Assam.