Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said the BJP is in a strong position ahead of the Assembly elections and has candidates prepared for nearly 50 per cent of the seats in the state.

Addressing the media in Guwahati, Sarma said the party could release a list of candidates for 50 Assembly constituencies at short notice if instructed by the central leadership. He said the BJP would not accept applications from aspirants and that names would be suggested by the public and party workers, adding that the party does not charge any fees for candidature.

The Chief Minister alleged that the Congress was collecting large sums of money from candidates in several constituencies and claimed such practices were ongoing in around 22–23 seats.

Sarma also said an eviction drive covering about 5,000 bighas of encroached land would be carried out in Tezpur on the same day. He made remarks on the Miya community in the context of electoral politics, alleging that the Congress does not support them during difficulties.

On alliance matters, he said BJP state president Dilip Saikia is holding seat-sharing talks with the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), while discussions are also underway with other allies. He added that the alliance arrangements are likely to be finalised by February 15 and that talks are continuing in Bodoland and Rabha areas.