The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has triggered a major reshuffle ahead of the Assembly elections, with significant changes impacting key constituencies in Guwahati.
The party’s first list of 88 candidates, released on March 19, reflects a strategy of combining new faces with experienced leaders, but also includes the dropping of 15 sitting MLAs, some from high-profile seats.
BJP has dropped 15 sitting MLAs in Assam, including key leaders, while reshuffling candidates in Guwahati constituencies like Dispur and Guwahati East ahead of April 9 elections.
Major Changes in Guwahati
Guwahati has emerged as a key centre of this reshuffle, with notable changes:
- Dispur:
- Dropped: Atul Bora (sitting MLA)
- New candidate: Pradyut Bordoloi
- Guwahati East:
- Dropped: Siddhartha Bhattacharyya
- New candidate: Diplu Ranjan Sarmah
These decisions highlight a clear shift in the BJP’s approach to urban constituencies.
High-Profile Leaders Dropped
Beyond Guwahati, the list includes several prominent exclusions:
- Nandita Gorlosa (Cabinet Minister)
- Numal Momin (Deputy Speaker)
- Multiple MLAs across key constituencies
The move has sparked political discussion and internal debate.
Surprise Entry: Bordoloi in Dispur
One of the biggest developments is the inclusion of Pradyut Bordoloi, who joined the BJP just a day before the list was released.
His candidature from Dispur, a key Guwahati seat, adds a new dimension to the contest.
BJP’s Strategy in Guwahati
The reshuffle indicates:
- Focus on stronger candidates in urban seats
- Willingness to replace incumbents for better performance
- Effort to consolidate support in Guwahati
As Assam’s political hub, Guwahati remains central to the party’s election strategy.
Bigger Picture Across Assam
Out of 126 Assembly seats, the BJP will contest 88 seats as part of its alliance arrangement.
The reshuffle across multiple constituencies shows a statewide recalibration ahead of polls.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
For voters in Guwahati, this means:
- New candidates in key constituencies
- Intensified political competition
- Greater focus on urban issues during campaigns
What Happens Next
With the candidate list out:
- Campaigning in Guwahati is expected to accelerate
- Opposition parties may respond with their own strategies
- Voters will begin evaluating new faces and their agendas
Frequently Asked Questions
How many MLAs has the BJP dropped?
The BJP has dropped 15 sitting MLAs in its first candidate list.
Which Guwahati seats have seen changes?
Key changes have taken place in Dispur and Guwahati East constituencies.