MP Dilip Saikia, representing the Darrang–Udalguri Lok Sabha constituency, has been appointed as the new president of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Assam unit. The announcement was made on January 16, following a series of high-level consultations among senior party leaders. Earlier in the day, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hinted at the development, stating that the name of the new state BJP president would be disclosed by Thursday evening. CM Sarma also clarified that the appointee would not be contesting the upcoming Assembly elections, ensuring a dedicated focus on organizational leadership.
The nomination process concluded at 7 PM, with Saikia emerging as the unanimous choice. The decision was facilitated by key BJP leaders, including state in-charge Harish Dwivedi, central leaders Sambit Patra and Sunil Bansal, and Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who served as the central observer for the process. Saikia succeeds Rangia MLA Bhabesh Kalita, who had held the position since June 2021. Under Kalita’s leadership, the BJP strengthened its grassroots presence in Assam, and the transition is seen as a strategic move to build on this momentum ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
Expressing gratitude for his appointment, Saikia vowed to work tirelessly to fortify the party’s base and uphold the BJP’s vision for Assam. “I am humbled by the trust placed in me by the party leadership. Together, we will ensure that Assam continues on its path of development and progress under the BJP’s guidance,” he said.