The race for the Assam Assembly elections begins on a high-energy note this Friday, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stepping out to file his nomination from Jalukbari — a constituency that has been his political home for over two decades.
What’s more than just paperwork, though, is the show of strength that will come before it. Sarma plans to lead a massive roadshow stretching about 5.6 kilometres, starting from Khanapara’s Veterinary Field and winding its way to the DC Office in Hengrabari. Supporters are expected to line the route, turning the nomination day into a full-blown political spectacle. In a post on X, the chief minister invited people to join him, saying their presence would give his campaign the boost it needs.
For Sarma, this election carries a sense of continuity. After losing his first contest in 1996 to Bhrigu Kumar Phukan, he has not looked back, winning five elections in a row from Jalukbari. Now, he is aiming to make it six.
But the political contest is shaping up across the state. Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia will file his nomination from Nazira, a seat closely tied to his family’s legacy. Both his father, former chief minister Hiteswar Saikia, and his mother Hemoprava Saikia have represented the constituency in the past.
The Congress is also fielding senior leader Ripun Bora from Barchalla, while regional forces are stepping into the spotlight as well. Assam Jatiya Parishad president Lurinjyoti Gogoi is contesting from Khowang, and Raijor Dal chief Akhil Gogoi is gearing up for a battle from Sivasagar.
With nominations open until March 23, the next few days will see a flurry of political activity. Scrutiny will follow on March 24, and candidates can withdraw by March 26. Voting is scheduled for April 9, with results to be declared on May 4.
As the campaign unfolds, the coming weeks promise rallies, rivalries, and high-stakes battles — setting the stage for a closely watched election in Assam.
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