BJP vs Congress: Battle for Power in Assam 2026
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Guwahati
- Mar 15, 2026
- 508
Will the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, secure a second consecutive term in Assam, or will a fragmented opposition spearheaded by the Indian National Congress mount a formidable challenge? The answer will emerge on April 9 when voters head to the polls to elect the state’s next government.
The Election Commission of India on Sunday announced that the 2026 Assam Assembly elections will be conducted in a single phase on April 9, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4. The contest for the 126-member legislative assembly is expected to revolve around the ruling BJP-led alliance and a Congress-led opposition bloc still attempting to consolidate its political base.
BJP-Led National Democratic Alliance
The governing coalition in the state is headed by the BJP and includes regional partners such as the Asom Gana Parishad and the United People’s Party Liberal.
Sarma, who assumed office in 2021, remains the BJP’s most influential political figure in the state. His administration has prioritised infrastructure development, strengthened law-and-order mechanisms, and expanded welfare initiatives. The government has also taken a firm political stance on contentious issues such as illegal immigration and identity politics.
Congress-Led Opposition Bloc
The principal opposition force continues to be the Congress, which is seeking to revive its political fortunes following a series of electoral setbacks. The party is likely to explore alliances with regional outfits, including the All India United Democratic Front led by Badruddin Ajmal, as well as other emerging regional players.
However, forging opposition unity in Assam has historically proven difficult, and negotiations over seat-sharing arrangements may become a significant hurdle.
Role of Regional Parties
Several regional parties could prove decisive in closely contested constituencies. Among them are Raijor Dal, led by activist-turned-politician Akhil Gogoi, and the Assam Jatiya Parishad, which emerged in the aftermath of the anti-CAA protests. These parties emphasise regional identity politics and could potentially split anti-incumbency votes in crucial seats.
How Assam Voted in 2021
In the 2021 Assam Legislative Assembly election, the BJP-led alliance comfortably retained power. The BJP secured 60 seats, while the Asom Gana Parishad won nine seats and the United People’s Party Liberal captured six. Together, the coalition crossed the majority threshold.
The Congress-led opposition managed roughly 50 seats, while smaller regional parties won a limited number. The election witnessed a voter turnout exceeding 80 per cent, underscoring Assam’s highly engaged electorate.
Key Electoral Issues in 2026
Immigration and Identity Politics remain among the most contentious political themes in the state. Concerns over illegal immigration from Bangladesh continue to dominate public discourse, alongside debates surrounding the Citizenship Amendment Act and the National Register of Citizens.
Ethnic and Regional Autonomy also plays a major role, particularly with demands from tribal communities and autonomous councils in areas such as Bodoland and the hill districts.
Employment and Economic Development are critical concerns, especially for young voters seeking better job opportunities and improved economic prospects.
Flood Management remains another pressing issue, as the annual flooding of the Brahmaputra River continues to impact millions of residents each year.
Political Manoeuvring Ahead of the Polls
In the run-up to the election, the BJP has been strengthening its organisational network across the state while attempting to expand into constituencies historically dominated by the Congress. Meanwhile, the Congress is striving to rebuild its grassroots presence and revive alliances that could consolidate minority and anti-BJP votes.
Regional parties born out of the anti-CAA movement may also influence the electoral outcome by acting as spoilers if opposition votes are fragmented in tightly contested seats.
What Political Analysts Say
Political analysts believe the BJP enters the contest with a significant organisational advantage and the popularity of an incumbent chief minister.
However, observers note that the race could become far more competitive if opposition forces succeed in presenting a united front and effectively mobilising anti-incumbency sentiment. Ultimately, the alignment—or fragmentation—of regional parties may prove decisive in determining the electoral outcome.