The scent of success has faded for Badruddin Ajmal's AIUDF, which once served as the primary political voice for Muslim minorities in Assam. The party has plummeted from 16 assembly seats to just two, signaling a sharp decline in its political relevance as the BJP's broader sweep and Congress's consolidation reshape the electoral map.
Election Results 2026: A Turning Point
The 70-year-old businessman-politician, whose family-run fragrance house Ajmal Perfumes is a global brand, returned to the electoral fray after his 2024 Lok Sabha defeat in Dhubri. He managed to win from Binnakandi in Hojai, while Mazibur Rahman retained Dalgaon. However, the party collapsed across lower Assam and the Barak Valley, despite over 90% turnout in Muslim-majority constituencies.
Why the Surge in Turnout Didn't Help AIUDF
The increased participation did not translate into votes for AIUDF. Instead, it consolidated behind Congress, which swept most minority-heavy seats. Constituencies with over 95% Muslim electorates — including Dhubri, Gauripur, Mankachar, Jaleswar, Chenga, and Samaguri — tilted decisively toward Congress.
Analysts and Insiders Weigh In
Political analyst Hafiz Rashid Ahmed Choudhury attributed the slide to leadership choices and perception. "Ajmal could have projected someone else. A man who cannot walk properly became a candidate. It signals they want to keep the party confined to family," he said.
AIUDF functionaries pointed to "wrong candidate selection" and a direct contest with Congress — unlike their 2021 alliance — as key factors. Rahman, who retained Dalgaon, framed the verdict as a broader opposition defeat. "We thought Gaurav Gogoi would become the CM, but he lost. It's painful," he said, crediting his own win to local development.
Uncertain Future for AIUDF
Formed in 2005 after the Supreme Court scrapped the IMDT Act, AIUDF had built its base among Bengali-speaking Muslims. Now, with no MPs and only two MLAs, its future looks uncertain. The party's decline marks a significant shift in Assam's political landscape, as voters increasingly align with larger national parties.
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About the Author: Kangkan Kalita is a reporter with The Times of India, covering health, education, human interest stories, political developments, student movements, and environmental issues in the northeast.
