BJP to Launch Panchayat Leadership Selection from June 20, Sets Stage for 2026 Polls

Riding high on its recent success in the panchayat elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced the initiation of its grassroots leadership selection process starting from June 20. This development marks the beginning of the party’s preparations for the 2026 Assam Assembly elections. The decision was revealed during an extended executive meeting held in Jorhat on Wednesday.

State BJP president Dilip Saikia detailed the timeline for the appointment of various leadership positions across rural administrative bodies. According to the plan, the selection of Panchayat secretaries will take place between June 20 and July 10. Following this, Anchalik Parishad secretaries will be appointed from July 10 to 20, and Zilla Parishad chairpersons will be finalized by July 20. Decisions regarding district council leadership are scheduled to be completed by July 30. This clearly outlined schedule reflects the BJP's systematic approach to building and strengthening its organizational structure at the grassroots level.

The meeting also served as a platform to spark momentum for the BJP’s 2026 Assembly poll campaign. One of the major talking points was speculation around Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s potential candidacy from Jorhat. Addressing this, Saikia noted the Chief Minister's close ties to Jorhat, where he began his education. While acknowledging Sarma's connection with the town, he stated that any final decision regarding his constituency would rest with the party’s central election committee.

Echoing these sentiments, Chief Minister Sarma reaffirmed his commitment to the party’s needs, saying he would contest from any constituency as per the party’s decision. However, he clarified that he already represents a constituency and the decision lies entirely with the party leadership. Sarma also highlighted Jorhat's historical and cultural significance during his remarks.

Reflecting on the party’s recent success in the panchayat elections, Sarma attributed the victory to the collective efforts of all BJP workers, including MLAs and MPs. He emphasized the importance of remaining humble and cautioned party members against arrogance, stating that overconfidence could harm the party's prospects.

In a sharp attack on the opposition, Sarma targeted Jorhat MP and Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi. He accused Gogoi of undertaking 19 secret visits to Pakistan and engaging in anti-national activities, alleging that he used the Indo-Nepal border to enter Pakistan multiple times. Sarma claimed that Gogoi would soon admit to these visits as he is preparing a narrative to justify them. He also accused Gogoi’s wife of making similar visits and challenged the MP to disclose who had invited him to Pakistan. Sarma dared Gogoi to file a legal case against him if the allegations were false.

The executive meeting was attended by several top leaders, including Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal and Pabitra Margherita, and national BJP spokesperson Dr. Sambit Patra. Concluding the meeting, party leaders emphasized the need for continuous grassroots engagement and announced plans for a massive outreach campaign. A major highlight will be the “Tiranga Rally,” expected to see participation from 25,000 people on May 25, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ initiative.

CM Sarma concluded by saying, “The base is built; now it’s time to solidify it. We must not become complacent.”