Guwahati: In the first-ever election for the Silchar Municipal Corporation, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the BJP secured a commanding majority, winning 34 out of 42 seats. The BJP alone captured 32 wards, while its regional ally Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) added two more. The Congress managed only two victories, and independents took six.

Election mechanics

The poll, held on 3 October, was conducted with traditional ballot papers rather than electronic voting machines (EVMs). Voting took place across 40 contested wards; two BJP candidates were elected unopposed. Counting began on Tuesday and the results were declared shortly thereafter.

BJP’s landslide performance

The NDA’s 34‑seat haul gives it a comfortable majority in the newly formed civic body. Out of 38 wards contested by the BJP, the party emerged victorious in 32. AGP secured two seats, while Congress, despite also contesting 38 wards, could only win two. Six independents completed the tally, bringing the total number of candidates to 133.

The BJP has lodged recount requests in two wards – one where an independent candidate won and another where Congress prevailed – and the election officials have yet to rule on the applications.

Himanta Biswa Sarma targets Congress

"Even with ballot papers, Congress could not win a single ward. This shows the electorate’s clear preference for the development agenda of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP," said Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Speaking after the results, Sarma seized on the ballot‑paper format to argue that Congress’s poor showing cannot be blamed on EVMs. He framed the outcome as a testament to public endorsement of the BJP’s governance model.

State BJP chief echoes criticism

Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia also hailed the victory and dismissed Congress’s longstanding allegations of EVM manipulation, noting that the ballot‑paper process produced the same decisive win for the NDA.

Party workers celebrated at the BJP headquarters in Guwahati, viewing the triumph as a boost to the party’s urban credentials in the Barak Valley.

Local civic issues shaped the campaign

Beyond partisan battles, voters were driven by everyday concerns: deteriorating roads, inadequate drainage, frequent water‑logging, erratic electricity supply, and unreliable drinking‑water services.

Silchar’s municipal structure was upgraded to a 42‑ward corporation in 2022 and became operational in June 2025, after years without an elected civic authority. The NDA’s strong mandate now positions it to address these long‑standing urban challenges.

Looking ahead

The result is being read as a barometer for upcoming state‑level contests, signaling the BJP’s growing foothold in Assam’s urban pockets while leaving the Congress to reassess its strategy.