Assembly polls seat sharing depends on winnability of the party, says Assam's Himanta Sarma

GUWAHATI: Assam finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that ticket distribution for assembly polls will depend on popularity of the candidate and win ability of the party.

Prior to 2016 assembly polls BJP in Assam stitched rainbow alliance with Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) besides other smaller parties.

Sarma said, “Talks on seat sharing will take place in January next year. Seat sharing and ticket distributions will depend on the aspirants' popularity and party’s Win ability.”


He added, “In a constituency where BJP cannot win we must refrain from giving tickets similar is the case with AGP.”

He added, “The chances of continuing alliance with BPF in the assembly polls of 2021 is very slim.”

BJP and BPF have fought the Bodoland territorial council (BTC) polls separately.

AGP announced that it will contest next year’s assembly polls in alliance with BJP.

AGP is a partner in the ruling BJP led coalition in Assam. In the last assembly elections, the AGP contested 24 seats and had a friendly fight in four constituencies. The party is expecting more seats.

BJP has 61 MLAs while its allies AGP and BPF had won 14 and 12 seats respectively in assembly polls in 2016.