Guwahati: Ahead of the Assam Assembly Elections 2026, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma officially filed his nomination papers on Friday from the Jalukbari constituency, aiming for a historic sixth consecutive term.

The high-profile nomination event witnessed a massive show of strength by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with thousands of supporters gathering despite heavy rainfall. Sarma was joined by his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, son Nandil Biswa Sarma, Gauhati MP Bijuli Kalita Medhi, and Guwahati Mayor Mrigen Sarania.

Before filing his papers at the Kamrup (Metropolitan) District Election Office, Sarma led a grand roadshow covering approximately 5.6 km, from Khanapara Veterinary Field to Hengrabari. The procession featured vibrant cultural performances, including traditional ‘gayan-bayan’, Bihu dancers, and drum beats, highlighting Assam’s rich heritage.

Supporters, many of them women, turned up in large numbers and stood through continuous rain to show solidarity, underlining Sarma’s strong grassroots connect in Jalukbari.

Ahead of the nomination filing, the Chief Minister sought blessings from his mother, Mrinalini Devi. Sharing the moment on social media, Sarma emphasized the importance of beginning significant milestones with parental blessings, calling it a source of strength in his service to Assam.

After filing his nomination, Sarma urged voters to support all NDA alliance candidates.

Acknowledging constituency changes after delimitation, he expressed confidence in winning the trust of the newly added areas. Due to his extensive statewide campaign responsibilities, Sarma noted that local party workers and his wife would actively manage campaigning in Jalukbari.

He also revealed that top national leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, are expected to hold multiple rallies in Assam to boost the BJP’s election campaign.

Jalukbari: A stronghold since 2001

Jalukbari has been a key political base for Sarma since 2001. Though he lost his debut election in 1996 as a Congress candidate, he made a strong comeback in 2001 and has held the seat ever since, with increasing victory margins.

In the 2021 Assam elections, he secured a record win with a margin exceeding one lakh votes, further cementing his dominance in the constituency. Sarma joined the BJP in 2015, marking a significant shift in his political career.

Assam election 2026 key dates

Last date for nomination filing: March 23, 2026

Scrutiny of nominations: March 24, 2026

Withdrawal deadline: March 26, 2026

Polling date: April 9, 2026

Counting of votes: May 4, 2026