Assam Assembly Elections: Opposition Alliance Gains Momentum Ahead of Polls

With the Assam Assembly elections approaching on April 9, the junior partners of the Congress-led Opposition alliance are optimistic about a potential shift in power away from the ruling BJP. Leaders from various coalition parties express confidence in their campaign momentum and the seamless transfer of votes among allies. They plan to draft a common minimum programme post-elections, focusing on key issues like land rights and local employment. As sentiments against the BJP grow, the Opposition believes they have a strong chance of forming the next government.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 5, 2026, 11:35 IST

Opposition Alliance Gears Up for Assam Elections

Congress supporters at a campaign rally in Guwahati (Photo - @INCAssam / X)

Guwahati, April 5: With the Assam electorate preparing to cast their votes on April 9, junior partners within the Congress-led six-party Opposition alliance are sensing a shift against the ruling BJP, suggesting a potential change in leadership in Dispur.

The coalition includes the Congress party, Raijor Dal, Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), All Party Hill Leaders Conference (APHLC), CPI(M), and CPI(ML) Liberation.

In discussions with various leaders from the Congress alliance, there is a shared belief that their campaign has gained significant traction recently. They are optimistic about a smooth transfer of votes among the coalition members.

Post-elections, the Congress and its allies plan to establish a common minimum programme (CMP).

As part of their seat-sharing strategy, the Congress has allocated 11 seats to Raijor Dal, 10 to AJP, two to CPI(M), and one to CPI(ML) Liberation.

Additionally, the Raijor Dal and Congress are engaging in 'friendly contests' in two constituencies.

“We believe a change is imminent this time. Previously, it seemed the BJP would dominate the elections, but the dynamics have shifted significantly. The likelihood of the Opposition alliance forming the government is increasing,” stated CPI(M) State Secretary Suprakash Talukdar.

Talukdar expressed confidence in winning both contested seats, highlighting the party's stronghold in Bhawanipur-Sorbhog LAC and optimism for Goreswar due to the BJP's declining popularity.

Raijor Dal General Secretary Rasel Hussain noted that the alliance has bolstered their party's prospects, particularly in Sibsagar, Mariani, Dhing, Sissiborgaon, and Margherita LACs. Despite some local Congress leaders rebelling in Dalgaon, he remains hopeful for resolution with Gaurav Gogoi's intervention.

Hussain acknowledged the absence of Congress's prominent campaigners in Raijor Dal's constituencies but remains confident that regional sentiments will favor their party. He believes the electorate is dissatisfied with the BJP-led NDA's policies, giving the Opposition an advantage in Upper Assam.

On the CMP, Hussain mentioned that while it was a repeated topic before the elections, they are hopeful for collaboration post-elections to draft a comprehensive plan.

AJP Secretary Ziaur Rahman emphasized their focus on land rights for indigenous communities and local employment in their campaign, asserting that the fragmentation of Opposition votes that benefited the NDA in 2021 will not be an issue this time.

Rahman expressed confidence in the AJP's strong position in at least six constituencies.

CPI(ML) Liberation State Secretary Bibek Das remarked that delays in seat-sharing discussions hindered the formation of a CMP, but all parties agree on key issues and plan to collaborate after the elections.

Das claimed the BJP-led NDA is on the defensive, with significant public participation in the Opposition's campaign events, indicating a growing discontent against the ruling party.