New Delhi, March 21: In the upcoming elections, Assam stands out as a battleground where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress are set for a direct confrontation. Both parties are key players in their respective alliances.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, also the convenor of the North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), has emerged as a significant and popular face of the BJP. His political rise has been rapid since leaving Congress, and he is considered a crucial figure in Northeast politics.
Despite concerns about anti-incumbency as the BJP seeks to secure power for a third consecutive term, Sarma has gained strength. He is recognized as a skilled strategist and a shrewd leader.
Earlier this month, his ‘Ashirwad Yatra’ received overwhelming public support. The government’s initiatives in infrastructure and welfare schemes have further boosted his popularity.
Sarma’s firm stance on issues such as illegal immigration from Bangladesh and land encroachments has resonated well with local residents.
As a result, the BJP appears to have a robust grassroots organization and is in a favorable position following the 2023 delimitation. The number of Muslim-majority seats has decreased from 35 to 24, which is expected to weaken the traditional strength of Congress and the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF).
Additionally, the increase in reserved seats for Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Scheduled Castes (SC) has aided the BJP in expanding its voter base.
The opposition appears fragmented. Despite a coalition of six parties, Congress is struggling with organizational weaknesses and leadership crises, leading to continuous splits within the party.
The BJP’s dominance is particularly evident in Upper Assam. The Dibrugarh constituency has been held by the BJP for three consecutive terms since 2014, with the party winning nearly all seats in the 2021 assembly elections.
However, in Jorhat, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi defeated the BJP candidate by approximately 140,000 votes in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This time, the BJP is focusing all its efforts on these constituencies.
In Tinsukia district, the BJP alliance has also performed well in previous elections, especially in tea garden and Assamese-dominated areas.
In hilly districts and autonomous council regions, tribal votes appear to be consolidating in Sarma’s favor, strengthening the NDA’s position.
The competition is expected to be tough in Central Assam and the Barak Valley. However, the division of minority votes between Congress and AIUDF could disadvantage the opposition.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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