In a move that highlights the Bharatiya Janata Party's delicate internal dynamics ahead of the Assam Assembly election 2026, senior leader and Bihpuria MLA Amiya Kumar Bhuyan has been elevated to the post of State Vice President of the party's Assam unit, effective immediately.
Speaking to reporters, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the announcement was made by state BJP president Dilip Saikia, who extended his congratulations and expressed confidence in Bhuyan's future role within the organisation. He added that the timing of the decision has drawn attention, as it comes amid visible unease within party ranks over candidate selection in key constituencies.
CM Sarma said, "In our party, no one expressed disappointment after the candidate list was announced. Everyone extended their support to the selected candidates. I personally spoke to each of them, and all assured me that there are no issues and that they will continue to remain in the BJP, saying, 'We are in the BJP and will stay in the BJP.'"
"Sivasagar is under discussion between the BJP and the AGP. People of Sivasagar have expressed that they want a candidate who will be a part of the government. I will take a call soon, as no candidate has been finalised so far," he said while speaking to reporters yesterday.
He further added that the people of Sivasagar are keen on having an MLA from either the BJP or the AGP. "We have held discussions with Atul Bora, but nothing has been finalised yet," he said.
*pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-WEB:2c160f5d-5bc0-4ad9-8683-00a03d881944-9" data-testid="conversation-turn-20" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn="assistant">The political backdrop is particularly charged in Bihpuria, where the BJP has chosen to field Bhupen Kumar Borah, a prominent leader who recently crossed over from the Congress. The decision to hand him the constituency ticket has been widely seen as a strategic attempt by the ruling party to recalibrate its electoral approach.
Yet, the move has not gone down well with all sections of the party. Bhuyan, the sitting MLA from Bihpuria, was denied renomination, a decision that sparked sharp reactions. Expressing his displeasure earlier, he stepped away from the party and made it clear that he would remain in the electoral contest.
Speaking to reporters, Bhuyan asserted that he would enter the fray as an Independent candidate and file his nomination accordingly. He also reached out to his supporters, urging them to continue their backing, stating that his allegiance lies with the people of his constituency rather than any political platform.
The BJP's decision to simultaneously assign Bhuyan a senior organisational role while replacing him as its electoral face from Bihpuria reflects the complex balancing act underway within the party. At the same time, the rapid induction and candidature of Borah underline the shifting political alignments in Assam as parties gear up for a fiercely contested election season.
MLA Amiya Kumar Bhuyan Quits BJP, to Contest Elections Independently