Assam Polls 2026: Are Alliances Beginning to Fray Before the Battle Begins?

Guwahati: With the 2026 Assam Assembly elections drawing closer, political equations in the state are witnessing churn across both the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition camp.

Amid reports of visible strain in the BJP–AGP alliance over seat-sharing, opposition parties are continuing negotiations, even as claims of progress are accompanied by signs of dissatisfaction.

AGP–BJP Seat Talks: No Change in Numbers, Says CM

Amid speculation that the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) is seeking between 40 and 50 seats, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday made it clear that the existing seat-sharing arrangement with the BJP will remain unchanged.

“Even if AGP demands more seats, it will not get them. There will be no numerical change in the seat-sharing arrangement,” Sarma said.

He added that the political strength of both alliance partners would remain the same as in the previous election.
“Neither party’s strength will increase. It will remain exactly as it is now,” he said.

Addressing reports of internal pressure within AGP leadership, Sarma remarked,
“There may be pressure on AGP president Atul Bora. If there is party pressure, AGP is free to field candidates wherever it wants. We will not object.”

The Chief Minister also stressed the need for calm during negotiations.
“Seat-sharing must be done without anger or resentment,” he said, adding that disputes seen in previous elections were unlikely this time.
“There was no major conflict last time, and there will be none this time either. If required, we can even contest elections in a friendly manner.”

Sarma further said that even if AGP decides to contest all 126 Assembly constituencies, BJP would have no objection.
“AGP may field candidates in all 126 seats if it wishes. We will also field our candidates there.”

AGP Reacts: ‘Remarks Not Disappointing’

Responding to the Chief Minister’s comments, AGP General Secretary Manoj Saikia said the remarks were not discouraging.

“The Chief Minister’s comments are not disappointing. He is only thinking about how the alliance can win more seats,” Saikia said.

He added that AGP would continue to work for the collective success of the alliance.
“We too will work towards ensuring that the alliance gains more seats. Grassroots workers understand the difference between AGP’s past and present role.”

Allegations of Internal Rift Within BJP

Meanwhile, the Congress has alleged internal divisions within the BJP. Addressing a gathering at Katigorah in Cachar district, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi claimed that two factions were operating within the BJP.

“There has been an internal rift between the BJP and AGP. There are two factions working inside the BJP — one under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and another under Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal,” Gogoi said.

He further alleged that the voice of Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia has weakened.
“Earlier, we used to hear the voice of the state BJP president Dilip Saikia, but after some alleged wrongdoing-related concerns, his voice seems to be silent,” he said.

Congress Claims 60% Progress in Opposition Alliance

Gogoi said the opposition alliance was making steady progress.
“Congress has been merging properly, and nearly 60 per cent of the alliance work is completed. The remaining discussions will be finalised soon,” he said.

Congress Still Hopeful on Opposition Unity

On Thursday, Congress Legislature Party leader and the leader of opposition at the Assam Legislative Assembly, Debabrata Saikia said the party remains optimistic about opposition unity.

“We are still hopeful about the alliance. There has been some dissatisfaction due to delays, but the alliance will happen. People want it,” he said.

Saikia stated that Congress plans to contest 100 seats, leaving 26 seats for allies.
“We will fight in 100 constituencies and leave 26 for our partners,” he said.

He added that all details could not be made public.
“The party president has asked us to keep some matters confidential. Not everything can be disclosed.”

Saikia also criticised the Chief Minister.
“The Chief Minister does not believe in democracy and has called me a ‘venture MLA’. He is a threat to democracy, and we will continue to work to strengthen democratic values.”

UPPL to Go Solo in 2026, But Remain in NDA Till Term End

Meanwhile, the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) has taken a significant decision regarding the 2026 Assembly elections. According to sources, the party will adopt an ‘Ekla Chalo’ (go-alone) strategy.

• UPPL will contest 27 seats in total.

• Of these, 15 seats will be in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).

• The remaining 12 seats will be outside BTR.

However, UPPL will not sever ties with the NDA during the current term.
“UPPL will continue to honour the alliance and remain with the NDA until the end of the present government’s tenure,” a senior party source told DY365.

The party is expected to make an official announcement soon.

Earlier, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma clarified that no formal discussions have taken place with UPPL so far.
“There has been no discussion with UPPL till now,” he said.

CPI Raises Concerns Over Seat Talks

The Communist Party of India (CPI) has stepped up its political preparations, citing lack of response from Congress regarding seat-sharing.

The CPI has formally submitted a list of seven constituencies it seeks to contest:

• Sivasagar

• Nazira

• Titabor

• Demow

• Morigaon

• Dhakuakhana

• Gauripur

According to CPI leaders, the list was submitted nearly 25 days ago, but Congress has shown little urgency.

“We are committed to opposition unity, but unity cannot function without coordination and respect,” a senior CPI leader said.
“Despite formally submitting our list well in advance, there has been no meaningful response from Congress.”

Following a decision taken at its executive committee meeting, CPI has begun preparing independently for these seats.

Congress on Strategy and Allies

On the other hand, Congress spokesperson Jakir Hussain Sikdar today said the party is holding discussions with all secular and anti-BJP forces.

“Congress is in talks with all secular parties opposed to the BJP. We will fight the election by taking everyone along,” Sikdar said.

He added that there is still time before the election notification.
“Every party has its own strategy. Congress is also preparing its own roadmap. Strategic discussions are better held behind closed doors than in front of cameras.”

Sikdar expressed confidence in a broad alliance.
“Very soon, the people of Assam will see an alliance formed as per public expectations, and all parties will contest together.”

He said raising demands was not wrong, but criticised the medium.
“Whether it is Akhil Gogoi or anyone else, making demands is not wrong, but the media should not be the platform for it.”

On AIUDF, Sikdar made sharp remarks.
“Ajmal always wants a BJP government in Dispur. Even if his party symbol is a key, votes eventually shift towards the lotus.”

He further alleged communal polarisation.
“On the advice of Amit Shah, BJP is spreading communal poison in Assam. In 2026, not a single AIUDF MLA will be elected.”

Dismissing BJP’s political narrative around September 8, he said,
“The people of Assam do not believe the September 8 narrative. On that day, it will be BJP leaders and ministers whose hair will stand on end.”

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