Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma sought to quell rumors of discord within the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Assam, emphasizing that seat-sharing discussions with ally Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) would be “smooth and dignified,” mirroring past elections. Speaking to reporters during the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan (MMUA) program in Golaghat, Sarma noted that both parties are well-acquainted with each other’s political strengths, having successfully contested multiple elections together.
“In two elections, the BJP and AGP have allied, and both parties understand their capabilities. Prior to elections, there are always aspirants in every party, and such discussions are normal. We’ve previously engaged in seat sharing, and even during the panchayat elections, that process was seamless,” Sarma stated.
However, his comments come amid growing tension at the grassroots level within the NDA, particularly in Golaghat district’s Khumtai constituency, where AGP workers are asserting claims for the seat that they want reserved for their party rather than the BJP. An AGP worker from the area indicated that this demand has been repeatedly communicated to the party leadership: “We have consistently indicated in meetings that Khumtai should have an AGP candidate this time. This has been conveyed to the leadership, including AGP President and state minister Atul Bora. We’ve upheld our alliance for over a decade and expect our concerns to be addressed.”
Local AGP leaders also expressed that the regional party has strong organizational support in the constituency and that many party workers feel overlooked despite their longstanding dedication to the alliance. “Since 2016, we have remained committed to the alliance and have collaborated at every step. However, an alliance should manifest on the ground, not just in dialogue. Many feel neglected in the name of alliance politics,” another AGP worker lamented.
Highlighting Khumtai as a traditional stronghold for AGP, one worker stressed that the constituency influences 22 anchalik and panchayat bodies. “If we field an AGP candidate, we are confident of victory,” he asserted.
This isn’t the first indication of friction within the BJP-AGP alliance as Assembly elections approach. On December 12, 2025, the AGP’s Nalbari district unit warned that the party may consider an independent electoral path if it is denied the Nalbari seat. This warning emerged during a district-level meeting at Nagen Sharma Bhawan in Nalbari, chaired by AGP Nalbari District Committee President Anand Rajbongshi.
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/assam/all-is-well-assam-cm-plays-down-bjpagp-seat-sharing-rift-amid-khumtai-unease-1605930
Category: Assam,Featured
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Publish Date: 2026-01-29 17:35:00
