The much-anticipated opposition unity in Assam for the crucial 2026 assembly elections has encountered a significant hurdle. Negotiations for seat-sharing among the constituent parties of the alliance have hit a roadblock, creating visible fissures and public disagreements.
Congress Policy and Internal Surveys Cause Delay
The Indian National Congress, the principal party in the opposition bloc, has attributed the delay in finalizing seat distribution to its internal processes. Ripun Bora, chairman of the Assam PCC's election management committee, clarified that the party's approach is guided by its national leadership and hinges on detailed surveys. These surveys are being conducted by professional agencies to assess the prospects of various parties and candidates across the state's assembly constituencies.
Bora defended the deliberate pace, stating that Congress, as a national party, must function with a broader outlook and build consensus. He also took a swipe at impatient allies, remarking, “One man cannot dictate the terms.” This was a clear reference to the growing impatience shown by other alliance partners.
Growing Impatience Among Allies
The delay has not gone down well with key partners. Akhil Gogoi, the president of the Raijor Dal, has openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the protracted negotiations. The Left parties, including the CPI(M), are also reportedly eager for an early announcement regarding the seats they will contest to begin their campaign preparations in earnest.
Complicating matters further is the stance of the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF). Its president, Badruddin Ajmal, criticized Congress for failing to unite all anti-BJP forces, despite labeling the BJP as the main adversary. Ajmal asserted that the AIUDF aims to win over 20 seats in 2026, improving its tally from the 2021 results. He issued a veiled threat, hinting that his party might contest the polls independently if Congress, led by state PCC chief Gaurav Gogoi, continues to show no interest in collaboration.
A History of Fragile Alliances
The current stalemate is set against a backdrop of unstable opposition partnerships in Assam. The 'Mahajot' (grand alliance) formed ahead of the 2021 assembly polls collapsed soon after the elections. Congress subsequently severed ties with AIUDF, accusing it of appeasing the BJP, a move that confused many within the party. The Bodoland People's Front (BPF) also left the Mahajot and has since joined the ruling NDA government in the state.
An attempt to revive opposition unity was made before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, with the coalition rebranded as the 'ASOM alliance', comprising over 15 parties. However, this unity too disintegrated in October 2024 over seat-sharing disagreements during a by-election, leading to Congress's exit. The current grouping of eight parties, including Congress, Raijor Dal, AJP, and Left parties, announced a joint contest plan for 2026 in November 2025, but is now struggling to translate that promise into a concrete seat-sharing formula.
The ongoing discord underscores the challenges of forging a cohesive opposition front in Assam. With time ticking towards the 2026 elections, the ability of these parties to resolve their differences will be a critical test of their collective ambition to challenge the incumbent BJP-led government.
