Multi-cornered contest emerges as alliances, breakaways and smaller parties reshape the electoral landscape
April 8, 2026: As Assam heads into a crucial election, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is seeking another term, with the BJP banking on his leadership along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On the other side, the Congress is relying on anti-incumbency and has projected Gaurav Gogoi, son of former CM Tarun Gogoi, as a key face. With issues like immigration and corruption dominating the narrative, both camps have forged alliances to avoid vote division.
Regional players are adding complexity to what was once a largely bipolar contest. Akhil Gogoi’s Raijor Dal and the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), born out of protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, are contesting in alliance with Congress. Other allies include left parties and regional groups, strengthening the opposition bloc. Meanwhile, the BJP-led NDA has partnered with Asom Gana Parishad and Bodoland People’s Front, aiming to consolidate its support base.
The election also features strong “lone wolf” contenders. Badruddin Ajmal’s All India United Democratic Front is contesting independently with backing from Asaduddin Owaisi’s party, while Pramod Boro’s United People’s Party Liberal has also gone solo after exiting the NDA. Additionally, Arvind Kejriwal’s AAP and Mamata Banerjee’s TMC have fielded candidates, making the contest more fragmented and unpredictable.