India, Jan. 11 -- Putting to rest speculation about any possible rift within the ruling coalition, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will contest the upcoming Assam Assembly elections in alliance with its long-time partner Asom Gana Parishad (AGP).

Sarma said the BJP's alliance with the AGP would continue with complete respect for the regional party and without any pressure on it over seat-sharing arrangements. "We respect the AGP. There is absolutely no pressure on them. They are free to contest elections from any seats they choose," the Chief Minister said.

He further said that the BJP would take a final decision by February 15 on the seats it would not contest. "The seats that the...