Assam: Lok Sabha MP Dilip Saikia has officially assumed office as the president of the BJP Assam unit, succeeding Bhabesh Kalita. The announcement was made on Friday at 11:30 am, confirming Saikia’s uncontested elevation to the position.
His selection follows an intervention by the BJP’s national leadership, which sidelined other contenders, including Pallab Lochan Das, cabinet minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass, and Rajya Sabha MP Rameswar Teli.
Saikia, representing the Darrang-Udalguri constituency in the Lok Sabha, brings extensive experience to his new role. Outgoing president Bhabesh Kalita congratulated Saikia on his appointment, expressing confidence in his capabilities. Kalita, who served as the BJP Assam unit’s president since 2021, remarked that Saikia’s deep organisational knowledge would contribute significantly to the party’s growth. Kalita, the Rangia MLA, has been with the BJP since 1991, holding pivotal positions, including secretary and general secretary, over the years.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma lauded Saikia’s political acumen while addressing reporters. Sarma highlighted Saikia’s tenure as the MP from the erstwhile Mangaldai constituency in 2019 and his re-election from the newly formed Darrang-Udalguri seat in 2024. He also noted Saikia’s active role in the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and his tenure as the national general secretary of the BJP. According to Sarma, Saikia’s leadership will be crucial for steering the party through the 2026 Assam Assembly elections.
Explaining the rationale behind the leadership change, Sarma elaborated on a new party policy that prohibits the state BJP president from contesting assembly elections. This rule aims to ensure that the president can dedicate undivided attention to organisational responsibilities. Sarma revealed that Kalita expressed his intention to contest the upcoming elections, paving the way for Saikia’s appointment.
The decision was finalised after senior BJP leaders, including national general secretary Sunil Bansal, national spokesperson Sambit Patra, and Assam in-charge Harish Dwivedi, held consultations with the state leadership in Guwahati. With Saikia at the helm, the BJP aims to consolidate its organisational structure and prepare for the electoral challenges ahead.
Read More: Meghalaya Cabinet Approves Key Schemes for State’s Development