Guwahati: Accompanied by his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma and son Nandil Biswa Sarma, in an open-top car, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday filed his nomination papers at the Hengrabari election office, seeking a sixth consecutive term from his home constituency — Jalukbari.Demonstrating his political might, Sarma, covering a distance of 5.6 km from the Veterinary Field in Khanapara to the election office, led a massive show of strength as thousands of supporters, majority of whom were women, braved incessant rains to accompany him.With cut-outs, banners and air-rending slogans, Sarma’s nomination-filing procession echoed with the beats of the traditional Assamese and Punjabi dhols, before the CM was greeted by the traditional ‘gayan-bayan’ (a group of traditional devotional performers), Bihu dancers and drummers along the route.Besides his wife and son, with whom he was seen clicking a selfie, Sarma was also accompanied by BJP’s Gauhati Lok Sabha MP Bijuli Kalita Medhi and mayor Mrigen Sarania.Dividing his journey into two halves, Sarma got off the vehicle at Last Gate in Dispur, walked for a few minutes before taking another vehicle to reach the office of the district commissioner-cum-district electoral officer.Prior to filing his nomination, the CM said he had sought blessings from his mother Mrinalini Devi. “Auspicious occasions should always begin with mother’s blessings. Though I don’t get to spend much time with her these days, her blessings always power me to continue serving Aai Asomi (mother Assam),” Sarma posted on X.Urging people to bless him and all the other candidates belonging to BJP and its twin allies — Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland Peoples’ Front (BPF) — Sarma expressed gratitude towards his supporters for turning up despite heavy showers.“It will not be possible for me to campaign extensively in my own constituency, as I have to campaign in other seats. The party workers will take care of my campaign. I will also try to go and Riniki (his wife) will also visit some places,” Sarma said, adding that he will address at least five to six meetings in a day.Shedding light on campaigning by national leaders, including PM Narendra Modi, Sarma said the PM was expected to address three meetings, while Union home minister Amit Shah will address six to eight meetings.Describing the occasion as a, “very happy moment”, Riniki said, “The people of Jalukbari consider Himanta as the head of the family, and this huge gathering shows their support and blessings for him .”“He belongs to the public and for the last 25 years has been serving them, which he will continue to do so in the future. I have been helping him in his campaign for the last several elections and will continue to do the same this time as well,” she added.
