Neither the BJP-led alliance nor the Congress-led grand alliance have projected chief ministerial faces in Assam. While the Congress is searching for a face after the death of former chief minister Tarun Gogoi, the BJP has not projected Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal this time. Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had said that he didn't want to contest the assembly polls. By giving him a ticket, the BJP has left the chief ministerial debate open.