NEW DELHI: With the 2026 Assam Assembly elections approaching, the ruling National Democratic Alliance is projecting cohesion as it moves towards finalising its seat-sharing arrangement in the state. Sources within the alliance said negotiations are in the final stage, with only one or two constituencies left to be resolved. A formal announcement is expected after the Rajya Sabha elections.
Earlier reports of friction among partners have largely subsided following multiple rounds of discussions. “The seat-sharing arrangement is almost sealed. Minor differences that existed have been addressed through dialogue,” a source said.
Assam has 126 Assembly constituencies. The Election Commission of India is expected to announce the poll schedule in the coming weeks, with voting likely in April and possibly conducted in one or two phases.
Sources indicated that the Bharatiya Janata Party will once again play the lead role within the alliance and is expected to contest between 86 and 90 seats. The remaining constituencies will be distributed among regional allies.
The BJP-led coalition includes the Asom Gana Parishad, the United People’s Party Liberal, and the Bodoland People’s Front. Smaller constituents such as the Rabha Hasong Joutha Sangram Samiti and the Janasakti Party are also part of the alliance, though they currently have no representation in the Assembly.
According to sources, AGP may contest between 24 and 27 seats, while UPPL and BPF together could receive around 10 to 11 seats. UPPL, which had initially sought 7-8 seats, was reportedly offered five, with discussions indicating a likely compromise at six. One or two seats may be allocated to smaller allies.
The final contours of the arrangement will be made public after the Rajya Sabha polls, following which the election schedule is expected to be announced.
In contrast, the Opposition alliance remains in negotiations, with seat-sharing discussions yet to reach closure. Regional parties are seeking a larger share, citing what they describe as the Indian National Congress’s declining organisational footprint in the state.
The Congress is reportedly keen to contest between 95 and 100 seats. Meanwhile, the Asom Jatiya Parishad and Raijor Dal have each demanded 15 seats. Left parties have already announced candidates in several constituencies, further complicating negotiations.
The recent visit of senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to Assam is being seen as an effort to accelerate talks and consolidate the alliance.
AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi said that while his party initially sought 15 seats, it has agreed to contest 13. “Ten seats have already been finalised. Discussions on the remaining three are ongoing and will conclude soon. Candidates’ names will also be announced shortly,” he said.
A senior journalist who has covered Assam politics for over a decade said the Opposition’s delayed consensus-building may have placed it at a disadvantage. “The NDA appears more cohesive and decisive. On the ground, voters seem to be gravitating towards the BJP-led alliance. Swift decisions and an aggressive campaign have given the ruling bloc early momentum,” the journalist said.
