AIUDF Plans to Contest 28-32 Seats in Upcoming Assam Assembly Elections
AIUDF's Election Strategy
Guwahati, Mar 15: As the Election Commission of India is anticipated to unveil the schedule for Assembly elections in five states, including Assam, the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) has revealed its intention to contest between 28 and 32 constituencies in the forthcoming elections.
The party announced that a definitive decision regarding the exact number of seats it will contest is expected within the next two to four days.
AIUDF MLA Rafiqul Islam stated, “We are gearing up to contest from 28 to 32 constituencies, and the final decision will be made shortly. Our initial list has already been published, featuring nine seats, and we plan to release a second list in the next day or two.”
Islam emphasized that the party aims to limit its candidates to no more than 30 to 32 constituencies, focusing on areas where they believe they have a stronger chance of winning.
“Our strategy is to contest in a select number of constituencies to secure victories. Our primary opponent is the BJP, and we are leaving other seats for parties that also oppose them, offering our support,” he explained.
He further mentioned that the AIUDF has chosen not to contest in several regions, including Upper Assam, the Bodoland Territorial Area Districts (BTAD), the North Bank belt, and the hill districts.
“While we could technically run in all 126 seats, we believe that doing so would ultimately aid the BJP. Therefore, we prefer to contest in the fewest possible constituencies,” Islam added.
Regarding potential alliances post-elections, he indicated that the party is open to supporting any coalition that opposes the BJP.
“Currently, we have no alliances and are adhering to the ‘Ekla Cholo’ principle. However, if secular parties unite to form a government after the elections, we will certainly support such a coalition,” he stated.
In response to the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee’s second candidate list for the Assembly elections, AIUDF leader Badruddin Ajmal expressed confidence in his party's performance in minority-dominated areas.
Ajmal claimed that the candidates chosen by Congress in these constituencies were heavily influenced by senior Congress figure Rakibul Hussain.
“Most of the tickets in minority areas have been swayed by Rakibul Hussain. Gaurav Gogoi has not managed to secure a single ticket. Consequently, AIUDF candidates are likely to win in those constituencies,” Ajmal asserted.
He added that the party will now concentrate on selecting strong candidates for minority-dominated seats.
“We will nominate better candidates and, Insha’Allah, we will secure those seats. Except for one or two, they will lose nearly all the seats,” Ajmal concluded.