‘Not Just an Election’: BJP Calls 2026 Assam Polls a Civilisational Fight

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held an extensive series of organisational and political deliberations during the Assam Pradesh BJP Working Committee meetings, where senior leaders reviewed the current political situation, alliance equations, organisational preparedness and the party’s ideological positioning ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

Alliance Talks and Political Strategy

According to party sources, discussions on the prevailing political environment were held during the party’s core committee meeting. It was decided that multiple committee-level meetings would continue during the executive sessions scheduled for Saturday.

Alliance-related discussions within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) are currently underway at the level of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, party leaders said. It was indicated that further informal discussions may also take place during Shah’s upcoming visit to Assam.

However, leaders clarified that no formal alliance talks will be held before February 15, though some informal understandings have already been reached. While both the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) and United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) remain NDA partners, BJP leaders admitted that it is not possible for both parties to contest together in certain regions, and a new political equation will need to be worked out. At the same time, the BJP maintained that neither BPF nor UPPL would align with Congress or any other opposition party.

The party reaffirmed that BJP-held Assembly constituencies are not usually ceded, except under extraordinary political circumstances. Referring to the 2021 Assembly elections, BJP leaders said seat-sharing with the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) would largely be based on the 2021 formula, though one or two seats may see adjustments.

Organisational Discipline and Leadership Remarks

Meanwhile, remarks made by BJP National General Secretary (Organisation) B.L. Santhosh on Friday are learnt to have caused unease among a section of party leaders. Addressing a state-level executive meeting, Santhosh underlined that submitting biodata holds little value unless backed by sustained organisational work.

“Preparing biodata may contribute to GDP through spending on Xerox and DTP, but it will not secure a ticket,” Santhosh was quoted as saying.

He asserted that party tickets would be allotted only to those leaders who maintain a strong presence among the people and enjoy public recognition, cautioning that merely trailing senior leaders or raising slogans would not improve one’s prospects.

Santhosh also flagged organisational gaps at the district level, noting that several district in-charges were still unfamiliar with the names of mandal presidents, and called for renewed focus on strengthening the party’s grassroots structure.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s Strong Political and Ideological Address

On Saturday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, addressing the executive meeting, delivered a forceful speech focusing on governance, development, identity and what he described as a “civilisational struggle.”

He said the executive meeting was being held with the election countdown in mind, highlighting that Assam had witnessed significant development over the last five years, and “transformational changes” over the past decade.

“Earlier we had to talk about development. Today, development is visible,” Sarma said, adding that Assam has received projects that people had never even imagined, including medical colleges in every district, universities, bridges over the Brahmaputra, and the Silchar–Guwahati Express Highway.

He asserted that the BJP would return to power for a third consecutive term, announcing that 1.5 lakh government jobs would be provided.
“I once promised one lakh jobs but did not believe it myself. Today, we are capable of giving two lakh jobs,” he said.

Sarma noted that tea garden workers had received land pattas, something once considered impossible.
“For us, development is as important as survival,” he said, describing the political battle as a fight to protect civilisation.

‘Civilisational Conflict’ and Demographic Concerns

The Chief Minister said society currently faces two competing civilisations, stating that Sanatani Hindu civilisation welcomes everyone. Referring to Christmas celebrations, he said Hindus had celebrated the festival and extended greetings, adding, “I received more Christmas wishes from Hindus than from Christians.”

He blamed Congress’s “appeasement politics” for the rise of what he described as another civilisation. Citing demographic data, Sarma said that until 2011, Assam had 34% Muslim population, of which only 3% were Assamese Muslims, while the remaining 31% were of Bangladeshi origin.

He warned of future consequences, saying,
“Bangladesh has shown us what happens when religion comes before the nation.”

Sarma claimed that during Eid in Dhubri, beef was sold openly in front of homes and alleged that cases of “love jihad” occur daily in central Assam. He raised questions about loyalty in the event of a conflict between India and Bangladesh, especially in areas near the Chicken’s Neck corridor.

“I have seen Muslim population rise from 21% to 40% in my lifetime,” he said, alleging familial links with Bangladesh among many residents.

He criticised Congress leaders for demanding reservation of 48 Assembly seats for Muslims, warning that once a community reaches 50% population, it does not need reservation but can form its own party and capture power.

Eviction Drives, Identity and Political Resolve

The Chief Minister defended eviction drives against illegal encroachers, stating that Assam had sent a clear message to Bangladesh that the state is no longer safe for illegal settlers.

“Either we will stay, or they will stay,” Sarma declared, listing areas like Dhubri, Barpeta, Dhing, Dalgaon and Rupahi where Assamese people had been forced to retreat earlier.

He said eviction efforts were now being accepted without resistance, as people understood that “Assamese society has started fighting back.”

Sarma also said that during the Congress regime, thousands of “unknown people” used to crowd Janata Bhawan daily, a situation that no longer exists.

Historical Narratives and Cultural Identity

Addressing interpretations of history, Sarma said that people have been conditioned to believe that the arrival of Bangladeshi nationals in Assam should be accepted without concern, citing the legacy of Sankardeva and Azan Faqir as justification. Questioning this narrative, he asked whether there was any historical evidence of a meeting between Sankardeva and Azan Faqir or any documented record supporting such claims.

“I say this openly, and anyone may challenge me on it—even as the Chief Minister of the state. Sankardeva’s disciple was Madhavadeva, not Azan Faqir. Azan Faqir existed in his own place and time, and I am not denying that. But do not weaken us in this civilisational struggle by artificially merging Sankardeva and Azan Faqir,” Sarma said.

He further urged people not to invoke figures such as Bagh Hazarika alongside Lachit Borphukan in a manner that, he claimed, diminishes the legacy of Bir Lachit Borphukan. Sarma said that if a historical figure like Bagh Hazarika existed, he should be recognised independently, but the primary focus must remain on Lachit Borphukan’s leadership and his decisive victory over the Mughal forces.

Sarma alleged that certain narratives had been imposed to undermine Assamese confidence, including claims that Lachit Borphukan’s success was largely due to strategies attributed to Bagh Hazarika. He questioned the origins of such assertions and said these narratives were being promoted by those seeking to weaken Assam in what he described as a struggle of civilisations.

He also criticised political narratives that portray Assamese and Bengali communities celebrating festivals such as Durga Puja or Saraswati Puja together as adversaries, while presenting people from Bangladesh as allies. “What kind of political definition is this?” he asked.

Sarma further claimed that stories suggesting Bagh Hazarika learned weapon-making techniques from Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, and that this led to Lachit Borphukan’s victory, were fabricated and propagated by leftist groups.

Emphasising the significance of the upcoming polls, Sarma said elections were no longer about political power but about preserving Assamese identity.
“The 2026 election is not about hope or aspiration; it is an election for survival, sacrifice, and identity,” he said.

Describing BJP workers as “soldiers of civilisation,” Sarma asserted that defeat was not an option.
“Every Sanatani and every Assamese will vote for us,” he added.

Sarbananda Sonowal’s Message of Restraint

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal struck a more restrained note, saying,
“I see no difficulty in winning the 2026 elections, but we should not become overconfident.”

He urged party workers to remain united and disciplined, cautioning against actions that could alienate people.

Nitin Nabin Highlights BJP’s Governance Record

Earlier on Friday, BJP National Executive President Nitin Nabin, addressing the inaugural session, said Assam and the Northeast had been integrated into India’s development mainstream under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He accused previous Congress governments of neglecting the region and said the Modi government carried forward the vision of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Nabin said BJP workers see politics as full-time service, not a part-time activity.

He alleged that Congress ignored illegal infiltration due to vote-bank politics, while the BJP took decisive action to ensure a safe and developed Assam.

Nabin highlighted improvements in infrastructure, roads, bridges and transparent governance through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), stating that under Modi, “every rupee reaches the poor directly.”

Calling elections a “festival” for the BJP, he urged workers to focus on booth-level strengthening, especially after delimitation, asserting that elections are won by winning booths.

He paid tribute to Gopinath Bordoloi and Bhupen Hazarika, recalled the BJP’s rise from five MLAs in 2009, and noted that Modi has visited the Northeast over 30 times in 11 years, treating the region as ‘Ashtalakshmi’.

Nabin’s visit marked his first trip to Assam after assuming charge as BJP National Executive President, and he received a warm welcome at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport.

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