Assam Heads to Polls: Fate of Political Leadership to be Decided in April-May Elections
In Assam, 2,49,58,139 voters are expected to head to their respective polling booths on 9 April 2026 to select their leaders. The fate of the upcoming political leadership will be decided on 4 May of the same year. In the 2021 elections , the opposition aalience, comprising the Indian National Congress (INC), All India United Democratic Front, and Bodoland People’s Front, failed to defeat the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The NDA won a majority with 75 seats in the Assam Legislative Assembly, enabling Himanta Biswa Sarma to serve his first stint as the Chief Minister of Assam, succeeding Sarbananda Sonowal. The Indian National Congress served the state of Assam for three consecutive terms from 2001 to 2016 under the leadership of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi , ending the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) reign during the then-imminent statesmanship of Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta. While the AGP focused on the Assam Accord and illegal immigration amid challenges, the INC made improvements in economic indicators, per capita income, and efforts to contain insurgency in Assam. The INC also initiated the National Register of Citizens (NRC). However, the exodus of prominent leaders and reliance on the minority vote bank, which made indigenous Assamese voters feel alienated, are some of the major reasons for the INC’s downfall in Assam. Moreover, long-standing complaints of corruption and inaction presented the BJP as an effective alternative in Assam’s political landscape. In November 2025, the Asom Birodhi Oikya Morcha, led by the Indian National Congress and a coalition of seven other political parties, united to break the BJP and its alliance’s winning cycle. However, the Raijor Dal left the Morcha in March 2026 over a seat-sharing dispute and rejoined it on the final seat-sharing day, aiming to form a strong coalition against the BJP ahead of the Assembly elections. The BJP has served two terms in Assam since 2016. Its ideologies centre around Hindutva, Assamese nationalism, national conservatism, economic liberalism, right-wing populism, and anti-immigration. Its key focus areas emphasise infrastructure development, including schools, public amenities, safe homes, and healthcare. The government’s policy positions focus on addressing border security and infiltration issues in the state. The BJP, in coordination with the Centre, has showcased massive infrastructure development in Assam. According to the state BJP office, Assam’s development drive highlights the construction of 1,330 bridges over the Brahmaputra, the inauguration of AIIMS in Guwahati, and a series of major connectivity projects that have contributed to the state’s growth trajectory. The Assam BJP spokesperson, Kamal Kumar Medhi, stated that the party constructed 65,000 kilometres of road over the past ten years. The ring road and tunnel connecting Gohpur–Numaligarh, and the Kaziranga elevated corridor, are some of the mega infrastructure projects undertaken by the government. Medhi also highlighted the granting of land pattas to 4,50,000 indigenous families under Mission Basundhara. The BJP’s active eviction drive against illegal encroachments on forest and government land was part of its agenda to secure and protect Jati-Mati-Bheti. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) sparked outrage in Assam during the BJP regime, resulting in a weakened bond with its AGP alliance over concerns about threats to the indigenous Assamese population. The AGP’s exit from the coalition marked an emotional setback for the BJP. However, the AGP is allying with the NDA again for the upcoming Assembly elections. Prioritising national policies, at times, has raised concerns about regional rights. Despite major infrastructure developments, the government has yet to bring consistent improvements in flood management, employment, and implementation of the National Register of Citizens. Before heading to the polls, citizens should be well-informed and think beyond slogans. Here are some considerations before voting: Re-evaluate candidates’ track records, such as the work they have done, whether they have stuck to their promises, and whether they are associated with any controversies or legal issues. Understand the broader vision and policies of political parties that align with your values on the economy, education, healthcare, environment, and social issues. A good leader will balance contributions to regional issues, including roads, jobs, and water supply, with national goals. Scrutinise party manifestos carefully to determine whether their promises are practical and implementable or just persuasive rhetoric. Considering these key points before heading to the polls emphasises a suitable verdict that aligns with voters’ idea of a noble state.