AIUDF Plans to Renominate Incumbents for 2026 Assembly Elections

The All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) is gearing up for the 2026 Assembly elections by likely renominating most of its current legislators. The party plans to focus its efforts on constituencies with a significant Muslim electorate, aiming to regain lost support after a disappointing performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Badruddin Ajmal, the party leader, is expected to contest, further boosting the party's visibility. With a target of securing at least 25 seats, the AIUDF is strategizing to prevent the fragmentation of anti-BJP votes while navigating the challenges posed by recent delimitation changes.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 13, 2026, 11:29 IST

AIUDF's Strategy for Upcoming Elections

GUWAHATI, Jan 13: The All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) is expected to re-nominate most of its current legislators for the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections. The party intends to concentrate its electoral efforts in constituencies with a significant Muslim electorate.

Badruddin Ajmal, the party leader, is anticipated to participate in the Assembly elections, despite the recent announcement of his candidacy for a Rajya Sabha seat from the State.

According to AIUDF general secretary Haidor Hussain Bora, the party will primarily select candidates from its strongholds in Barak Valley, central Assam, and Lower Assam, as well as the Ranganadi and Nowboicha constituencies in the North Bank.

“We plan to nominate candidates in 22 Muslim-majority seats, along with other constituencies with a notable minority voter presence, rather than spreading our resources thin in areas where we lack support,” Bora stated.

The AIUDF has begun accepting applications from potential candidates. Bora mentioned that most sitting legislators, except those suspended for alleged anti-party activities, are likely to receive nominations again.

“However, due to delimitation, some MLAs will see changes in their constituencies, which will be taken into account. We also have several aspirants for various seats, and feedback from local party workers will influence our decisions,” he added.

The party aims to reclaim its previous support in minority-dominated areas following a disappointing performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, and fielding Ajmal in the Assembly elections is part of this strategy.

While Ajmal's candidacy for the Rajya Sabha has been confirmed, the current composition of the Assam Legislative Assembly poses challenges. Should he not secure a Rajya Sabha seat, his chances of contesting in the Assembly elections are significantly high.

“Our party members are eager for Ajmal to participate in the Assembly elections. Workers have suggested he contest from the Binnakandi constituency. It is the wish of our members to see our leader in the Assembly. His participation would greatly enhance our party's visibility and demonstrate leadership,” Bora remarked.

He noted that the final decision regarding Ajmal's candidacy will rest with him.

Ajmal, who served as the MP for Dhubri HPC for three consecutive terms, faced defeat in the last Lok Sabha elections. The AIUDF also failed to secure any seats in the 2024 General Elections, losing significant support among the Bengali-speaking Muslim community, which it aims to regain as the Assembly elections approach.

The AIUDF previously indicated its intention to contest approximately 30-32 seats in the 2026 elections.

“Our main goal is to prevent the fragmentation of anti-BJP votes. Therefore, we will only field candidates in select constituencies. In other areas, the Congress and other opposition parties can challenge the NDA. Although the Congress-led coalition has declined to include us, we still aim to see the BJP-led NDA defeated,” Bora explained.

Bora added that the AIUDF aims to secure at least 25 seats this time, having won 10 seats in 2006, 18 in 2011, 13 in 2016, and 16 in 2021.

When asked if the AIUDF would provide direct support to Congress and other opposition parties in constituencies where it will not contest, Bora stated that this would be determined later by the party leadership.