Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma may contest from a new constituency in 2026 Assembly Elections

Digital Desk: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on 20th June published the Assam delimitation proposal, on which Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma presented his thoughts and reacted in dismay that the Jalukbari constituency, which he has served since 2001, would be abolished.

Additionally, on the day of which the Draft proposal was announced, Assam CM Sarma posted his thoughts via Twitter stating, "जननी जन्मभूमिश्च स्वर्गादपि गरीयसी - The draft delimitation published by ECI today stipulate that the current Jalukbari constituency, which I have represented since 2001, will no longer exist as it has been divided into three parts. I am feeling very saddened by this news. However, I welcome the draft paper as it accurately reflects the sentiments of Assam."

However, CM Sarma praised the Election Commission's judgement, saying it "truly reflected the sentiments of the people of Assam." 

Furthermore, If the Election Commission of India's draught proposal for delimitation of Assembly and Parliamentary Constituencies in Assam, is implemented without amendments, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reportedly will lose two significant blocks under his constituency Jalukbari—Sualkuchi and Bezera. The revised determination of his constituency's geographical limit ensures that he will face 70% new voters. 

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After the announcement of the Jalukbari Constituency being divided into three parts, Bezera will now be in the Hajo constituency, and Sualkuchi block will be in Kamalpur. While some other regions have been added to the constituency, the newly delineated Jalukbari still includes Sarma's stronghold of Pandu. 

As per unknown sources, speculations are on the rise disclosing that Sarma would think twice about running from Jalukabri again if this delimitation draught is approved without any changes. Although no official statement has been made from the side of CM Sarma, there are many assumptions that he may run in the assembly elections of 2026 as a candidate from a new constituency. 

The public feels that though there will be many changes over the next three years until the 2026 Assembly Election, there are still a lot of questions about the party in power, considering the recent intense conflict between the ruling (BJP) and others.

However, Assam had its last delimitation in 1976 and the delimitation procedure was undertaken using the 2001 census data. Now to make the delimitation exercise fair and equitable, the poll panel prepared the criteria and approach following the constitutional and legislative provisions as well as the representations received.

Election commissioners Anup Chandra Pandey, Arun Goel, and Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar are scheduled to travel to Assam in July for a public hearing on the draught plan.