New Delhi: Assam’s political landscape is set for a shift. Dibrugarh poised to become the state’s second capital, announced Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The move comes as part of a larger plan to develop Dibrugarh within the next three years, including the construction of a permanent Assam Assembly building on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra.
Dibrugarh’s transformation reflects Sarma’s strategic focus on Upper Assam, a region rich in history and sentiment. The district, once a key commercial hub during British rule, will now play a central role in shaping Assam’s political future. The shift helps Sarma consolidate support from indigenous voters and strengthen his political standing against the Congress, which has been gaining traction in lower Assam. The BJP is focusing its energies on Upper and Central Assam, alongside the Barak Valley, as it seeks to counter the resurgence of Congress and maintain its dominance in the state.
Sarma’s strategic outreach
Historically, Upper Assam has been a political stronghold, with the legacy of the Ahom dynasty still influencing voter sentiment. Sarma, who is keen to appeal to both Hindu and indigenous Muslim voters, has framed his policies, such as the crackdown on child marriage, as efforts to protect the community, particularly the Miya Muslims, a group concentrated along the Brahmaputra.
Dibrugarh’s rise as the second capital follows the BJP’s loss of the Jorhat Lok Sabha seat in 2024, which had been a prestige battle for Sarma. The defeat was partly due to the enduring legacy of the late Tarun Gogoi, whose son Gaurav Gogoi claimed the seat. While Jorhat had been a focal point, Dibrugarh emerged as a better option, considering its historical and strategic importance.
Upper Assam has long been the stronghold of BJP leaders like Sarbananda Sonowal and Dibrugarh remains his constituency. The region has seen major development under the BJP. Sarma is focusing on infrastructure projects to reinforce his hold on the area.
From military to stability
That apart, the region’s transition from being a hotspot of militancy to a symbol of stability and progress is another key aspect of Sarma’s political narrative. As Assam heads into the 2026 Assembly elections, Dibrugarh’s emergence as a political and cultural centre underscores Sarma’s ambitions for a BJP hat-trick, with Upper Assam now positioned as the new power hub.
