New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday released its first list of 88 candidates for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, signalling the start of its full-fledged campaign in the northeastern state.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will once again contest from the Jalukbari constituency, a seat he has held for multiple terms and which remains a key stronghold for the party.

The announcement comes as part of the BJP’s broader electoral strategy for the 126-member Assam Assembly, where the party is contesting the majority of seats under its alliance arrangement. Earlier, the BJP had confirmed it would contest around 89 seats, leaving the rest for its allies in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

The first list features a mix of sitting MLAs, senior leaders, and new faces, indicating the party’s attempt to balance continuity with fresh representation. The move also reflects internal deliberations aimed at countering anti-incumbency while retaining strong performers in key constituencies.

The Jalukbari seat, from where Sarma will contest, holds strategic importance for the BJP. The constituency has consistently backed him over the years, making it a symbol of his political dominance in the state.

The candidate announcement comes amid heightened political activity in Assam, with parties finalising their line-ups ahead of the polls. The BJP has been actively working to strengthen its position, including efforts to induct leaders from rival parties.

The 2026 Assam Assembly elections are expected to witness a multi-cornered contest, with the BJP aiming to retain power for another term against a resurgent opposition. Polling for all 126 constituencies is scheduled to be held in a single phase, with results to be declared in early May, setting the stage for a crucial political battle in the state.