Assam BJP Constitutes New 18-Member Core Committee Ahead of Amit Shah’s Visit

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced the formation of a new 18-member core committee for its Assam unit, a crucial organizational step ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s scheduled two-day visit to the state. Shah’s visit, set for later this week, will include a meeting with the committee members on the night of August 28, where discussions will primarily focus on reviewing preparations and chalking out strategies for the 2026 Assam Legislative Assembly elections. The announcement of this committee reflects the party’s intention to strengthen its internal structure, streamline decision-making, and begin early groundwork for the next assembly polls.

State BJP president Dilip Saikia revealed that the new committee was formed with the formal approval of the party’s national president, JP Nadda. By seeking approval at the national level, the Assam BJP leadership underlines the importance the central leadership places on Assam in the party’s broader political roadmap for the Northeast. Assam has been a stronghold for the BJP in the region since its decisive victory in the 2016 assembly elections, and the formation of this committee is seen as a move to consolidate the party’s influence while preparing to counter challenges from opposition parties ahead of 2026.

The newly constituted committee features a balanced mix of prominent national and state leaders, reflecting an attempt to unify different levels of leadership within the party. Among its members are Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who continues to play a central role both in governance and organizational strategy, and Union ministers Sarbananda Sonowal and Pabitra Margherita, who add both political weight and national-level visibility to the team. National secretary Kamakhya Prasad Tasa has also been included, further highlighting the party’s emphasis on connecting state-level politics with the larger national framework.

Several influential state ministers are part of the committee, including Ashok Singhal, Ranoj Pegu, and Ranjeet Kumar Dass, each of whom has significant organizational and administrative experience. Their inclusion suggests the BJP’s intent to integrate governance achievements into its electoral strategies, using the committee as a forum for policy discussions as well as campaign planning. Former Assam BJP president Bhabesh Kalita, who played a major role in expanding the party’s reach across constituencies, is also a member, ensuring continuity and institutional memory in the party’s organizational structure.

In addition to senior ministers and leaders, the committee includes three state vice presidents—Ashok Bhattarai, Rekharani Das Boro, and Moon Swarnakar. Their presence indicates an effort to involve leaders from diverse communities and regions of the state, thereby broadening the committee’s representational base. Similarly, five general secretaries—GR Ravindra Raju, Diplu Ranjan Sarmah, Pallab Lochan Das, Rituparna Baruah, and Anup Barman—have been inducted, bringing in organizational expertise and grassroots-level connectivity that will be critical for mobilization during elections. Former MP Rajdeep Roy has also been included in the panel, adding another layer of parliamentary experience to the group.

Overall, the composition of the new 18-member core committee highlights the BJP’s strategy of blending seasoned leaders with organizational functionaries to create a team capable of guiding the party through the 2026 assembly polls. With Amit Shah set to review plans and provide directions during his visit, the committee’s formation marks the beginning of what promises to be an intensive phase of political activity in Assam.