Guwahati, Jan 5: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday claimed that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies have strong winning prospects in 103 of the state’s 126 Assembly constituencies ahead of elections likely to be held in March-April.

Speaking to reporters at a programme in Dimoria, Kamrup Metropolitan district, Sarma said the party’s prospects have improved compared to the previous estimate of 90 seats. “The BJP has winning chances in 103 seats this time. Earlier, it was in 90. After delimitation, the number has increased by 13-15,” he noted.

The delimitation process, completed in 2023, redrew boundaries for both Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies without changing the total number of seats.

Sarma cautioned that while the alliance appears strong in 103 seats, it expects symbolic contests in around 22 others without guaranteed wins. “Whether we win 100 per cent of the seats or are confined to 90 or 80 per cent, it will be for the public to decide,” he added.

He also took a dig at Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi, saying, “Gogoi is from the elite class, from the ‘raja ghar’ (king’s family). That he is giving me so much importance makes me happy. I never thought I would be so important. He is constantly thinking about me.”

Reacting to a poll projection by NGO Peoples Pulse Research Organisation predicting a BJP-led NDA victory with 69-74 seats against Congress’s 25-29, Sarma urged caution. “This is not the time for predictions as even alliances of the NDA or the UPA are not clear. Which party will contest in how many seats is not clear,” he said, adding that clarity is expected by February.

In the current Assembly, BJP holds 64 seats, with allies AGP (9), UPPL (7), and BPF (3). The opposition comprises Congress (26), AIUDF (15), CPI(M) (1), and one Independent from Raijor Dal.