Campaigning for the high-stakes Assam Assembly Elections 2026 hit an unexpected hurdle on Friday after Union Home Minister Amit Shah was forced to cancel his scheduled rally in Golakgunj, located in Assam’s Dhubri district, due to a helicopter landing issue.

According to party sources, Shah had departed from Guwahati for Golakgunj but could not land because of a technical snag involving his aircraft. With no immediate alternative arrangement possible, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) called off the rally at the last minute.

Despite the disruption, Shah quickly adapted by addressing supporters remotely via phone. In his message, he apologised for his absence and urged voters to back BJP candidate Ashwini Ray Sarkar, framing the election as crucial for continuing development in the state.

During his telephonic address, Shah appealed to voters to strengthen the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and reinforce the governance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Centre.

He also assured party workers and supporters that he would return to Assam to take part in victory celebrations if the BJP secures a mandate.

Following the cancelled event, Shah resumed his packed campaign schedule and travelled to Dudhnoi in Goalpara district for another public meeting. His two-day Assam visit, which began Thursday, has included multiple rallies aimed at consolidating BJP’s position ahead of polling.

Earlier, he addressed a gathering in Kaliabor in support of an Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) candidate, underlining the BJP-led alliance’s coordinated campaign strategy.

Key dates: When is Assam voting?

Polling Date: April 9

Vote Counting: May 4

The election will determine the composition of the 126-member Assam Legislative Assembly, making it a closely watched political contest nationally.