Assam's Political Landscape Heats Up Ahead of 2026 Elections
Political Dynamics in Assam
Guwahati, Jan 3: As the political climate in Assam intensifies in anticipation of the 2026 Assembly elections, the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners are ramping up efforts to strengthen their grassroots connections, while discussions regarding seat-sharing are ongoing behind the scenes.
With the election schedule expected to be announced in just over two months, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its longstanding ally, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), are proceeding with caution, emphasizing unity while also highlighting their individual organizational goals.
AGP MLA Ponakan Baruah stated that while negotiations on seat-sharing with the BJP are still in progress, the regional party aims to nominate candidates in at least one constituency in every district across the state.
“AGP and BJP have been coalition partners since 2001. We contested the 2016 and 2021 Assembly elections together and formed the government. We intend to maintain this alliance for the upcoming 2026 elections, aiming to contest at least one constituency in every district of Assam,” Baruah informed the media on Saturday.
However, he raised concerns regarding the perceived marginalization of AGP leaders and workers in constituencies represented by BJP MLAs.
“Despite our alliance, AGP leaders, workers, and volunteers often miss out on government schemes in areas where BJP MLAs are elected. We want to prevent such issues from arising after the 2026 elections,” he expressed.
From the BJP's perspective, Nalbari MLA and Cabinet Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah reiterated the party's dedication to the alliance, emphasizing the significance of a robust AGP within the NDA framework.
“AGP is our coalition partner and a regional party that resonates with the people. It would be unjust to judge the entire party based on the actions of a few individuals. We want AGP to remain strong, even as our alliance partner,” he stated.
Malla Baruah made these comments during the unveiling of a statue and vehicle shelter for former AGP minister Nagen Sarma in Nalbari town on Friday evening. Sarma, a two-time AGP minister and former MLA, tragically lost his life in a bomb blast in Bahjani in 2000.
Earlier, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma remarked that it would be inappropriate for him to comment on AGP’s internal matters, emphasizing that alliance-related issues would be resolved through formal discussions.
“AGP can allocate as many tickets as it wishes. However, if tickets are to be finalized as part of an alliance, a meeting must occur between AGP president Atul Bora and BJP state president Dilip Saikia,” Sarma noted.
He added that representatives from both parties are part of the State Cabinet and that discussions are ongoing. “Once a decision is reached, we will update the media,” he concluded.
As the election countdown accelerates, indications from both factions suggest a desire to project stability, even as negotiations regarding seats, influence, and grassroots coordination continue.