Assam Assembly Election Schedule Announced: Key Campaign Issues Emerge
With the schedule for the Assam Assembly elections now officially announced, a range of critical issues is poised to dominate the campaign rhetoric of political parties in the run-up to the polls. Key topics include eviction drives, illegal infiltration, and development projects, which are expected to shape voter sentiment and political strategies.
Current Assembly Composition and Political Landscape
The 126-member Assam Assembly currently features 64 legislators from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Among its allies, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) holds nine MLAs, the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) has seven, and the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) maintains three seats. In the opposition ranks, the Congress leads with 26 MLAs, followed by the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) with 15 members. The CPI(M) and an Independent each have one representative in the Assembly.
Eviction Drives: A Contentious Campaign Issue
The state government’s policy of evicting alleged encroachers, many from the Muslim community, is anticipated to be a major campaign issue. Both the ruling alliance and the opposition are likely to address this during the election campaign. Another significant point of contention is the government’s crackdown on child marriage, which has resulted in numerous arrests and cases filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The ruling alliance is expected to portray these measures as crucial steps toward eliminating social menaces, while the opposition may accuse the government of disproportionately targeting the Muslim community.
The ruling alliance is also projected to emphasize its efforts to reclaim forest land, satra and temple properties, and other government lands from alleged encroachment. Conversely, the opposition is likely to frame this drive as a humanitarian crisis, highlighting demolitions that have left many homeless and without livelihoods, forcing people to live on the streets.
Illegal Immigration: A Long-Standing Political Flashpoint
Illegal immigration remains a long-standing issue in Assam and is set to feature prominently in the election campaign. This matter has been central to state politics for decades, playing a key role in the Assam Agitation and the subsequent signing of the Assam Accord. The BJP-led government asserts that it has taken steps to implement the Accord’s provisions. However, the opposition is expected to criticize the government’s perceived failure to provide constitutional, legislative, and administrative safeguards to protect the cultural, social, and linguistic identity of indigenous Assamese people.
Two key aspects linked to the immigration debate—the updating of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)—are also likely to be highlighted during the campaign. The ruling party is anticipated to argue that opposition to the CAA was misplaced, noting that only a limited number of Hindus from Bangladesh have applied for citizenship under this law.
Development Projects and Welfare Schemes: Showcasing Progress vs. Criticism
The state government is expected to showcase major development initiatives in Assam, particularly infrastructure projects in roads, railways, airports, and waterways. It is also likely to highlight investments such as the Tata semiconductor unit and other agreements signed during the ‘Advantage Assam’ business summit. The opposition, however, may argue that development has been concentrated in select areas and has come at the expense of indigenous communities, alleging land acquisition for such projects.
The BJP and its allies are also poised to emphasize welfare schemes for women, including monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,250, support for women entrepreneurs, and various health initiatives. With women comprising nearly half of the electorate, the opposition is expected to counter by claiming that crimes against women have not declined and that benefit distribution has been uneven.
The ruling alliance will further highlight its recruitment drive across government departments, which it says has resulted in the appointment of over 1.6 lakh youths. Additionally, it is likely to focus on welfare measures for tea garden workers, a significant voting bloc that traditionally supported the Congress but has largely shifted allegiance to the BJP since 2016.
Zubeen Garg’s Death: A Controversial Side Issue
Another issue that drew significant attention was the death of popular singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore in September 2025, followed by demands for justice in connection with his alleged murder. Opposition parties are expected to accuse the BJP-led government of lacking commitment to ensuring justice in the case. The ruling dispensation, however, is likely to point out that it constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT), arrested the accused, and that the matter is currently before the court.
