Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday filed his nomination papers from the Jalukbari Assembly constituency, seeking re-election for a sixth consecutive term.
Accompanied by his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, son Nandil Biswa Sarma, BJP’s Gauhati Lok Sabha MP Bijuli Kalita Medhi and Guwahati Mayor Mrigen Sarania, Sarma reached the Kamrup (Metropolitan) District Election Office after leading a large procession through the city.
The Chief Minister, riding atop an open vehicle, travelled from Veterinary Field at Khanapara to Hengrabari, covering around 5.6 km. He briefly alighted at Last Gate in Dispur, walked a short distance, and then proceeded by car to the office of the district commissioner-cum-district electoral officer.
Thousands of supporters, many of them women, braved incessant rain since the previous night to join the roadshow. Traditional ‘gayan-bayan’ performers, Bihu dancers and drummers lined the route, lending a festive air to the procession. At one point, his wife was seen taking a selfie with him and their son during the journey.
Earlier in the day, Sarma sought the blessings of his mother, Mrinalini Devi. “Auspicious occasions should always begin with mother’s blessings. Though I don’t get to spend much time with her these days, her blessings always power me to continue serving Aai Asomi (mother Assam),” he said in a post on X.
Also read: BJP to launch Assam poll campaign from March 24: Sarma
After filing his nomination, Sarma appealed to voters to extend their support to candidates of the BJP and its allies, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF). He thanked constituents for turning up despite heavy rain.
The Chief Minister noted that delimitation had brought several new areas into Jalukbari. “It will take some time to get the people of these areas, but I am confident that they will bless and support him,” he said.
Sarma added that he would not be able to campaign extensively in his constituency due to statewide commitments. “The party workers will take care of my campaign… I will also try to go and Riniki will also visit some places,” he said, adding that he plans to address five to six meetings daily.
On national leaders’ campaigns, he said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address three rallies, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah may hold six to eight meetings.
Sarma has represented Jalukbari since 2001. After losing the seat in 1996 as a Congress candidate, he wrested it in 2001 and has retained it since, recording a margin of over one lakh votes in 2021. He joined the BJP in 2015.
Polling for the 126-member Assembly will be held on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4.
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