Guwahati: Election activity intensified across Assam on Friday as several well-known leaders from both the ruling side and opposition officially submitted their nomination papers for the upcoming Assembly polls.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was among the prominent names to complete the process from the Jalukbari seat. Before reaching the office, he took part in a large procession that began at Khanapara Veterinary Field and concluded at the district administration office in Hengrabari.
The procession stretched for several kilometres and was joined by his family members, including his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma and son Nandil Biswa Sarma, along with BJP MP Bijuli Kalita Medhi.
After completing the formalities, Sarma told reporters that more candidates from his party would complete the process either the same day or on March 23.
Speaking about his past elections, he recalled that he did not win from this seat in his first attempt in 1996, but has been elected continuously since 2001. He also expressed confidence that voters would continue to support him despite changes in constituency boundaries over time.
Talking about his busy schedule, the Chief Minister said he is attending multiple campaign events every day in different parts of the state. He added that he will try to manage both state-level campaigning and time with voters in his own constituency.
On the election outlook, Sarma said his party and its partners are preparing strongly in more than 100 seats, but avoided making any early claims about results, stressing that the focus should remain on peaceful voting. He is seeking another term from Jalukbari.
Meanwhile, BJP leader Pijush Hazarika also completed his nomination process from Jagiroad and spoke about the work done by the government over the past decade, expressing hope for continued public backing.
Other leaders who completed the process on Friday include Ajanta Neog, Ranjeet Kumar Dass, Biswajit Daimary, Rama Kanta Dewri, and AGP leader Prodip Hazarika.
From the opposition side, Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi submitted his nomination from Sivasagar and appealed to voters for their support. At the same time, AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi and Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia completed their filings from Khowang and Nazira.