Himanta–Owaisi war of words signals shifting voter equations ahead of elections
February 8, 2026: With Assam heading towards assembly elections later this year, political rhetoric is intensifying as Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi sparred verbally over a seemingly light-hearted remark. The exchange began after Himanta suggested paying ₹4 instead of ₹5 to auto-rickshaw drivers, prompting Owaisi to mockingly offer a ₹2 “donation” to the Chief Minister. Though humorous on the surface, the episode carries clear political messaging in the run-up to the polls.
Political observers see the verbal duel as a sign of Owaisi’s growing interest in Assam’s electoral arena and an attempt to assert relevance in the state’s polarised political climate. The banter also reflects deeper communal and demographic calculations, especially as Assam’s Muslim population—34% in 2011 and estimated to be close to 40% now—remains a key factor in electoral outcomes.
Traditionally divided between Congress and AIUDF, Muslim votes may witness a realignment this time, particularly with Congress ruling out an alliance with AIUDF. Owaisi’s presence could reshape political equations by creating a new bloc of influence. The ₹2 remark, while playful, underscores how even symbolic gestures can carry electoral weight in Assam’s high-stakes political battle.