The Jalukbari Assembly constituency remains one of the most closely watched battlegrounds in Guwahati, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma seeking another term from the seat he has dominated for years.
Having won Jalukbari five consecutive times after his initial defeat in 1996, Sarma continues to hold strong political influence in the constituency. However, the 2026 election brings a new challenger into the spotlight.
Jalukbari in Guwahati will see Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma contest against Congress candidate Bidisha Neog in the 2026 Assembly elections. While Sarma has won the seat five times, Neog is entering the race with a focus on local civic and environmental issues.
Sarma’s Strategy: Statewide Focus
Sarma recently indicated that he may not be able to campaign extensively within Jalukbari due to his focus on the broader state campaign.
He told residents that his wife would campaign on his behalf while he concentrates on election efforts across Assam. Despite limited local campaigning, public response at recent interactions suggested continued support for the incumbent leader.
Meet the Challenger: Bidisha Neog
Bidisha Neog, a first-time candidate from the Indian National Congress, is contesting against Sarma.
Her background includes:
- Graduated from North Lakhimpur College
- Former employee at Gauhati University (2016–2023)
- Active member of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee
Neog has positioned her campaign around local issues affecting residents in and around Jalukbari.
Key Issues Raised in the Campaign
Neog has highlighted several concerns relevant to Guwahati voters:
- Flooding and drainage issues in Jalukbari
- Allegations of illegal sand extraction in North Guwahati
- Land-related concerns involving public interest
- Environmental protection of Deepor Beel
She has also emphasised the need to protect livelihoods linked to Deepor Beel, particularly those of local fishing communities.
Cultural and Public Sentiments
Neog has additionally raised the demand for “justice for Zubeen Garg as part of her campaign messaging, indicating an attempt to connect with cultural and public sentiments in Assam.
Why Jalukbari Matters
Jalukbari is not just another constituency—it is one of Guwahati’s most politically significant seats:
- Strong urban voter base
- High visibility in state politics
- Direct association with the Chief Minister
The outcome here is likely to be closely followed across Assam.
What Happens Next
With polling scheduled for April 9, campaigning is expected to intensify in Jalukbari. While Sarma relies on his established political base, Neog’s campaign will test whether local issues can influence voter sentiment in this high-profile contest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who is contesting from Jalukbari in 2026?
Himanta Biswa Sarma (BJP) and Bidisha Neog (Congress) are the main candidates.
Q2. What issues are being raised in Jalukbari?
Flooding, drainage, environmental concerns, and local governance issues are key topics.
Q3. Why is Jalukbari important in Guwahati?
It is a high-profile constituency represented by the Chief Minister and holds major political significance.