AAP Aims to Expand Presence in Assam Ahead of 2026 Elections

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is preparing to contest a significant number of seats in the 2026 Assam Assembly elections, aiming to strengthen its organizational base without forming alliances. Party leader Rajesh Sharma emphasized the importance of independent campaigning and grassroots outreach, citing past experiences with Congress as a reason for their strategy. AAP plans to engage with citizens through a door-to-door program to discuss policies and gather feedback. With membership in Assam reaching five lakh, the party is optimistic about expanding its influence in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 1, 2025, 12:44 IST

Strengthening Organizational Base in Assam

Guwahati, August 1: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Arvind Kejriwal, is gearing up to enhance its organizational framework in Assam with plans to contest a significant number of seats in the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections.

Rajesh Sharma, who oversees the party's operations in the Northeastern States, shared insights with a local media outlet on Thursday, indicating that the AAP does not intend to pursue any alliances for the elections. He emphasized that the party will participate with full vigor, and Arvind Kejriwal, along with other senior leaders, is anticipated to campaign in the region.

Sharma noted that a meeting between the national leadership of AAP and the Assam unit is scheduled to take place in New Delhi shortly to devise strategies for the elections. He stated, “We have initiated groundwork as part of our preparations for the Assembly polls.”

When questioned about the party's reluctance to form alliances, Sharma remarked, “The Congress is the primary opposition in Assam, but they are not a trustworthy partner. Their sincerity in alliances is questionable. Our past experiences with Congress during the last Lok Sabha elections were disappointing, as were our previous interactions in Delhi and Gujarat. They tend to betray us at critical moments.”

He further explained, “What benefit is there in forming an alliance with other opposition parties in Assam if Congress is excluded? Other parties, such as the Raijor Dal, have a limited presence. We contested independently in Gujarat and achieved a commendable 15% of the total votes, which laid the foundation for our growth there. Thus, we believe that contesting a larger number of seats in Assam will help us expand our organizational strength.”

Regarding potential future alliances, Sharma stated, “With Gaurav Gogoi recently becoming the president of the State Congress, we will observe if there are any changes in their approach. If we receive positive indications, we may reassess our stance. While we are open to alliances to challenge the BJP, the current attitude of the Congress does not inspire confidence. We must forge our own path. Although we may not secure a government in 2026, we can focus on strengthening our base in the interim.”

Sharma also mentioned that AAP gained significant insights from participating in the recent panchayat elections in Assam and plans to launch a door-to-door outreach initiative from August to October throughout the State. “During this program, we will communicate our policies to the people of Assam, address their concerns, and engage in discussions,” he added.

He concluded by stating that AAP's membership in Assam has reached five lakh, with expectations for further growth leading up to the Assembly elections.