04/08/2025
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• (the regional opposition alliance)
• (Akhil Gogoi’s regional party)
• (AJP)
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• (BJP CM)
• (Assam Congress President)
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Will the Real Issues Speak in 2026?
Ujjal Borah
As Assam gears up for the 2026 State Assembly Elections, the political narrative is gradually unfolding—but in a manner that often seems more focused on optics than outcomes. While the BJP-led NDA and opposition parties like the Congress, AJP, and AAP prepare their arsenals, the state’s voters remain caught between high-pitched campaigns and lingering unresolved issues. Amid rallies, evictions, and allegations, a key question remains: What are the real election issues in Assam—and who is addressing them?
Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma continues to dominate headlines through large-scale eviction drives, infrastructure launches, and symbolic public welfare campaigns. These moves have earned him a reputation for decisive governance. However, critics argue that these actions often overshadow deeper challenges—such as economic insecurity, lack of employment opportunities, and persistent flood devastation.
While supporters view the government’s approach as efficient and bold, others question whether the underlying structural issues are truly being addressed—or simply postponed through administrative theatrics.
Among the most sensitive and unresolved concerns in Assam is the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Though passed in 2019, its implementation in Assam has been held in abeyance, reflecting the state’s unique socio-political fabric. For many Assamese people, the CAA is not just legislation—it represents a potential threat to cultural identity and demographic stability. The government’s cautious silence on its rollout has left many questions unanswered.
Another key issue is the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for six ethnic communities—the Tai Ahoms, Moran, Muttock, Chutia, Koch Rajbongshi, and Tea Tribes. Despite years of promises, no significant policy advancement has been made. These communities, deeply rooted in Assam’s history, continue to wait for recognition that could ensure political and economic safeguards.
A string of developments in recent months has brought governance and transparency under the spotlight:
•Land Ownership by Political Families: Reports suggesting land purchases in Nagaon, Majuli, and other districts by the spouse of the Chief Minister have raised eyebrows. While no official wrongdoing has been confirmed, the matter has prompted discussions about ethics in public life and the need for more transparent declarations.
•The Garukhuti Agro Mission: Once launched as a flagship rural transformation project, the initiative has now attracted scrutiny regarding procurement practices—particularly involving Geer cows. Questions have emerged around oversight and value for public investment.
•Scheme Grants to Politically Linked Individuals: News that wives of prominent politicians may have received benefits under government schemes has fueled concerns about favoritism. Though these cases may follow legal processes, the public perception highlights a growing need for transparent beneficiary selection.
These instances underscore a broader call for clean governance, where decision-making remains free from personal influence.
On the opposition front, the Indian National Congress is making visible efforts to revive its influence, with state president Gaurav Gogoi emerging as a key face. His image, viewed by many as clean and moderate, gained further credibility after a failed smear campaign alleging foreign links. Senior leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have also begun touring the state, particularly in regions like Chaygaon, aiming to galvanize party workers and reconnect with the grassroots.
However, the Congress still faces the challenge of articulating a cohesive vision that resonates across the electorate. Regional outfits like Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are gradually carving their own spaces, mostly focusing on youth, urban voters, and identity politics.
In the Bodoland Territorial Area Districts (BTAD), alliance strategies are becoming crucial:
•The BJP continues its alliance with the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), currently in power in the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC). This partnership, while occasionally strained, remains key to the NDA’s stability in the region.
•The once-powerful Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) could re-emerge as a potential player. Though sidelined in recent years, a realignment with either NDA or opposition parties remains a possibility.
•The opposition, including Congress and smaller Bodo parties, may pursue informal or tactical understandings to contest the NDA’s influence—though no formal bloc has yet been declared.
Beyond BTAD, Assam’s political equations are likely to be defined by selective cooperation rather than grand coalitions:
•Congress-AJP coordination in Upper Assam and central constituencies seems probable, especially on issues like CAA and ethnic identity.
•Congress-AIUDF collaboration remains uncertain due to ideological differences, but limited seat adjustments cannot be ruled out in Barak Valley and minority-dominated pockets.
•AAP may explore joint campaigns with the Congress in urban regions, positioning itself on a governance and anti-corruption platform, though its reach remains modest for now.
Behind the headlines and alliances, Assam’s electorate continues to grapple with long-standing concerns: Unemployment and lack of industry, Seasonal floods and ecological degradation, Education and rural health infrastructure gaps, Protection of indigenous language, land, and identity, Women’s safety and rising substance abuse among youth. So far, these everyday issues have struggled to dominate the political narrative, which often gets consumed by symbolism and confrontation.
The run-up to the 2026 elections will likely be filled with high-pitched rhetoric and strategic alliances. Yet, for the people of Assam, the deeper desire is for honest dialogue and real solutions. Whether on CAA, ST status, transparency in governance, or livelihoods, voters are seeking substance over showmanship.
If parties—ruling or opposition—can tune into this demand and offer credible roadmaps, the 2026 elections could mark a meaningful shift. If not, Assam may witness yet another electoral season where the loudest voice, not the most thoughtful one, takes the lead.
The Author is an Independent Journalist based in Guwahati and he can be contacted at 94351-46157, email: [email protected].
