The political landscape in Assam is heating up as the 2026 Legislative Assembly elections draw near. On Friday, January 2, 2026, Guwahati Mayor Mrigen Sarania visited the town of Boko to engage with the local community. This visit signals a significant shift in his focus from urban governance to rural grassroots politics. As Mrigen Sarania steps up outreach in Boko, speculation is growing about his potential candidacy for the Boko-Chaygaon Assembly constituency.
Sarania, who recently secured his second term as Mayor, began his visit by meeting with the Boko Press Club. During a gathering at the public Durga Puja hall, he extended New Year greetings to local journalists and civil society members. He used this platform to discuss regional issues and highlight the developmental goals of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His presence in Boko suggests that the ruling party is looking to strengthen its hold on the outskirts of the Kamrup district.
Read More: Security Tightened Along India-Bangladesh Border in Tripura Amid Armed Group Movement
Candidacy and Party Vision
During his interaction with the media, Mrigen Sarania addressed the rumors regarding his political future. He expressed his clear willingness to contest the upcoming elections as a BJP candidate from the Boko-Chaygaon seat. However, he remained a disciplined party soldier. He stated that the final decision rests entirely with the party leadership. Sarania noted that he has full confidence in the organizational framework of the BJP and will follow whatever role the party assigns to him.
The Mayor’s background in urban infrastructure could play a role in his rural campaign. Since assuming office in 2021, he has led various sanitation and flood mitigation projects in Guwahati. By visiting Boko, he aims to prove that his leadership style can also benefit rural and semi-urban populations. He emphasized that the BJP believes in “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” and wants to bring the same level of modernization to Boko that the capital city has witnessed.
Grassroots Engagement and Community Care
A notable highlight of the day was Sarania’s visit to Borchung village in the Boko Bandapara area. He visited 15 residents who were recently injured in a road accident. These individuals were returning from a government programme when the mishap occurred on December 31, 2025. As Mrigen Sarania steps up outreach in Boko, his focus on personal welfare has resonated with the local villagers.
Sarania enquired about the health conditions of the injured victims and offered words of encouragement. He assured the families that he would bring the matter to the attention of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. He promised to seek necessary assistance for their medical recovery. This gesture of empathy is seen as an effort to build a strong personal bond with the voters of the constituency.
Later in the day, the Mayor moved to Lankona village to interact with the tribal community. Boko is known for its diverse demographic, and winning over the tribal vote is essential for any candidate. Sarania sat with community leaders to understand their specific challenges, such as land rights and rural connectivity. He highlighted the importance of grassroots engagement and promised that the BJP government would continue to prioritize tribal welfare.
The 2026 Election Context
The timing of this visit is critical. Although the Election Commission has not yet announced the dates for the Assam Assembly elections, political activity is rising. A recent tracker poll suggests that the BJP-led NDA remains in a strong position to secure a third term. The poll projects the BJP as the single largest party, potentially winning between 69 and 74 seats.
In Lower Assam, the competition is expected to be fierce. The Congress party and its allies are also ramping up their efforts to regain ground. By sending established leaders like Mrigen Sarania to constituencies like Boko, the BJP is trying to pre-empt any opposition gains. Sarania’s visit serves as a dual-purpose mission: he is checking the party’s organizational pulse while also testing his own popularity in a new territory.
As Mrigen Sarania steps up outreach in Boko, he is positioning himself as a bridge between the state capital and the rural heartlands. He believes that the development seen in Guwahati should reach every corner of the state. Whether he receives the official party ticket or not, his active presence has already energized the local BJP workers in Boko.
The residents of Boko are watching these developments closely. They are eager to see if a high-profile leader from the city can bring real change to their daily lives. For now, Sarania continues to maintain a busy schedule of public meetings and house visits. His journey from the Mayor’s office to the rural dusty roads of Boko marks the beginning of a long and high-stakes campaign season for Assam.
Read More: Apple Urges iPhone Users to Ditch Chrome for Safari