Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday hailed the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) strong showing in the ongoing panchayat elections across Assam as a historic moment for the state’s political landscape. Citing the party’s grassroots success, Sarma asserted that the NDA has the potential to win 104 out of the 126 seats in the 2026 Assam Assembly elections.
Speaking to reporters while the counting of votes continued for the second day, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that the BJP is on track to secure over 300 seats in the Zilla Parishad level. “The BJP is marching ahead to capture more than 300 Zilla Parishad seats and it is historic. However, counting is still underway,” Sarma said.
Reflecting on the implications of the rural polls, the Chief Minister pointed out that the results indicate strong public sentiment in favour of the BJP. “Panchayat elections reflect rural sentiment. Assembly elections, on the other hand, encompass both rural and urban regions—where we also have a solid base. This combination strengthens our chances in 2026,” Sarma explained.
He noted that while the alliance currently has the potential to secure 104 seats, the realistic expectation is slightly lower. “There is always a gap between potential and reality. We hope to win 95 seats, but ultimately, the public mood will decide our fate,” he added.
According to data released by the Assam State Election Commission, the BJP has already won 242 Anchalik Panchayat seats, while its ally Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) secured 30 seats. The Congress managed to win 34 seats, while Independents took 14. Smaller parties like Raijor Dal and AIUDF bagged one seat each.
In the Zilla Parishad tier, the BJP has won 26 seats and AGP 3, while opposition parties are yet to open their accounts. Meanwhile, thousands of Gram Panchayat (GP) seats—contested without party symbols—were also declared, with all winners classified as Independents under election guidelines.
Sarma also spoke about the upcoming elections in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), revealing that the BJP plans to contest some seats independently while continuing its alliance with the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL). “We will fight alone in BTR, but not in all seats. We will contest only where we are strong. Our alliance with UPPL remains intact,” he clarified.
Currently, in the 126-member Assam Legislative Assembly, the BJP holds 64 seats, AGP 9, and UPPL 7. On the opposition side, the Congress holds 26 seats, AIUDF 15, BPF 3, CPI(M) 1, and one MLA is an Independent.
