Saikia took the seat after the BJP leadership ruled out other candidates, including Pallab Lochan Das, Assam minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass, and Rajya Sabha MP Rameswar Teli
GUWAHATI: Lok Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) Dilip Saikia took charge as the new president of the BJP Assam unit on Friday, January 17 calling upon the party to work collectively.
He was elected unopposed with no other claimant to the post. Earlier, the BJP leadership had ruled out other candidates, including Pallab Lochan Das, Assam minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass, and Rajya Sabha MP Rameswar Teli.
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Outgoing president Bhabesh Kalita congratulated Saikia, expressing confidence in his leadership. "Saikia has a lot of experience. There is no doubt he will excel in his new role," Kalita added.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, meanwhile, lauded Saikia’s political experience, citing his previous role as the national general secretary of the BJP and his active involvement in the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). "We hope to contest the 2026 assembly elections under the guidance of an experienced leader," Sarma added.
The chief minister also explained a new rule barring the state BJP president from contesting the 2026 assembly elections, ensuring the president’s undivided focus on organisational work.
BJP national general secretary Sunil Bansal, spokesperson Sambit Patra, and Assam in-charge Harish Dwivedi had arrived in Guwahati the previous day to finalise a consensus candidate for the post.
Talking to the media, Saikia said, "First of all I thank futuristic and dynamic Prime Minister of the country Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma ji."
"We take the responsibilities given by the party very seriously," said the leader. "With several elections ahead, we all need to work hard to ensure success. A party’s success is measured by its political achievements."
He further added, "Even if the BJP has a strong will, success doesn't come automatically. It requires hard work and dedication. No one needs to depend on me personally; the party must continue fulfilling its responsibilities collectively."
"I will carry out the tasks entrusted to me with full commitment, and our focus must remain on supporting the chief minister in achieving his goals," he emphasised.