Daijiworld Media Network - Guwahati

Guwahati, Mar 19: The Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday released its first list of 88 candidates for the upcoming Assam Assembly Elections 2026, setting the stage for a high-stakes electoral contest.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will once again contest from the Jalukbari seat, marking his sixth consecutive attempt from the constituency, including three on a BJP ticket.

In a significant political development, the party has fielded two former Congress leaders—Pradyut Bordoloi and Bhupen Borah—who recently switched allegiance to the BJP.

Bordoloi, a two-time Lok Sabha MP from Nagaon, has been nominated from Dispur. He joined the BJP just a day before the announcement, ending his long association with the Congress.

Borah, who served as the Assam Congress chief for several years, will contest from Bihpuria. Having lost twice earlier from the seat, he will now look to turn the tide under the BJP banner.

Other prominent candidates include Pijush Hazarika from Jagiroad, Rupali Langthasa from Haflong, and Prasanta Phukan from Dibrugarh.

The 126-member Assam Assembly will go to polls on April 9, 2026. In the previous election, the BJP-led NDA secured 75 seats, while the Congress-led Mahajot alliance won 60.

With the first list out, the BJP has signalled its intent to retain power in the northeastern state, banking on a mix of experienced leaders and recent political entrants.