Seat-Sharing Talks Intensify in Assam Ahead of 2026 Assembly Elections

NDA's Seat-Sharing Plans to be Revealed Soon

Guwahati, Jan 7: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Wednesday that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Assam will disclose its seat-sharing arrangements by or after February 15. This announcement indicates that negotiations within the coalition are approaching a critical stage as the 2026 Assembly elections draw near.

During a press briefing at a welfare scheme event in Dhemaji, Sarma, who had just returned from New Delhi, revealed that he had extensive discussions on this matter with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

“I met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah last night, and Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) chief Hagrama Mohilary was also present. UPPL leader Pramod Boro had discussions with him earlier, and I also had a detailed conversation with AGP president Atul Bora yesterday,” the Chief Minister stated.

Sarma expressed optimism that seat-sharing negotiations would proceed smoothly, emphasizing that talks with coalition partners have been productive. “Based on our discussions so far, I believe seat-sharing will not be an issue for the NDA,” he remarked.

The Chief Minister reiterated that there are no significant disagreements between the BJP and its allies, including the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP).

Prior to Amit Shah’s visit to Assam on December 29, 2025, Sarma had indicated that the Union Home Minister's involvement would only be necessary if the alliance partners could not reach an internal consensus.

However, alliance partners have publicly expressed their own electoral ambitions. The AGP has announced its intention to contest in at least one constituency in every district of the state.

AGP MLA Ponakan Baruah has voiced concerns regarding the perceived marginalization of AGP leaders and workers in constituencies currently held by BJP MLAs.

Another significant ally, the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), has previously indicated its desire to run independently in the 2026 elections, aiming to strengthen its organizational presence in the region.

Despite these declarations, none of the NDA partners have officially clarified their final positions, keeping their options open as negotiations progress.

With the Chief Minister's recent meeting with Amit Shah, political analysts believe that the alliance leadership is working to resolve any remaining tensions and present a united front in the upcoming weeks.

Union Home Minister Shah is scheduled to visit the state on January 29.