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Illegal immigration from Bangladesh has long been one of the most contentious issues in Assam
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma (X/@himantabiswa)
Will the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), under chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, retain power for a second consecutive term in Assam or will a fragmented opposition, led by the Congress, mount a credible challenge? The question will be answered on April 9 when the state votes for its next government.
The Election Commission on Sunday announced the schedule for the Assam assembly elections 2026, which will be held on April 9 in one phase. The counting will be on May 4. The contest for the 126-member Assam legislative assembly is expected to revolve around the BJP-led alliance and a Congress-led opposition bloc that is still trying to consolidate support.
Key Alliances In The Fray
BJP-led National Democratic Alliance: The ruling coalition in Assam is led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and includes regional allies such as the Asom Gana Parishad and the United People’s Party Liberal.
Sarma, who took office in 2021, remains the BJP’s most prominent face in the state. His government has focused on infrastructure, law-and-order measures and welfare schemes, while also taking a strong political position on issues such as illegal immigration and identity politics.
Congress-led Opposition Bloc: The principal opposition party remains the Congress, which is attempting to revive its fortunes after a series of electoral setbacks. The Congress may again seek alliances with regional parties such as the All India United Democratic Front led by Badruddin Ajmal, as well as newer regional forces.
However, opposition unity has historically been fragile in Assam, and seat-sharing negotiations could prove contentious.
Regional and Emerging Players
Several regional parties could influence the outcome in close contests. These include Raijor Dal, led by activist-turned-politician Akhil Gogoi, and Assam Jatiya Parishad, formed after the anti-CAA protests. These parties appeal to regional identity and could split anti-incumbency votes in key constituencies.
How Assam Voted Last Time
In the 2021 Assam legislative assembly election, the BJP-led alliance retained power comfortably. The party won 60 seats, while the Asom Gana Parishad secured nine seats. The United People’s Party Liberal, meanwhile, won six seats. Together, the alliance crossed the majority mark.
The Congress-led opposition managed around 50 seats, while smaller regional parties secured a handful. The election also saw a high voter turnout of over 80 per cent, reflecting the state’s politically engaged electorate.
Key Voter Issues In 2026
Immigration and Identity Politics: Illegal immigration from Bangladesh has long been one of the most contentious issues in Assam. The implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act and debates around the National Register of Citizens remain politically sensitive topics.
Ethnic and Regional Autonomy: Demands from tribal groups and autonomous councils, especially in Bodoland and hill districts, continue to shape electoral politics.
Employment and Economic Development: Youth unemployment and economic opportunities remain central concerns, particularly in rural areas.
Flood Management: Recurring floods caused by the Brahmaputra River continue to affect millions every year and remain a major political issue.
Political Machinations Before Polls
The BJP has been consolidating its organisational strength across Assam while attempting to expand into constituencies previously dominated by the Congress. Meanwhile, the Congress has been trying to rebuild its grassroots network and revive alliances that could consolidate minority and anti-BJP votes.
Regional parties born out of the anti-CAA movement may play the role of spoilers if opposition votes split in closely contested seats.
What Political Analysts Say
Political observers say the BJP enters the election with a strong organisational advantage and a popular incumbent chief minister.
However, analysts note that if the opposition manages to present a united front and channel anti-incumbency sentiment effectively, the electoral contest could become significantly tighter.
Much may ultimately depend on whether regional parties align with the Congress or contest independently.
Assam, India, India
March 15, 2026, 16:24 IST
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