Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Predicts Big BJP-NDA Win Ahead of Priyanka Gandhi’s Entry

Guwahati: As the Assam Assembly elections 2026 approach, Congress has roped in Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as the Chairperson of its screening committee, signaling a high-profile campaign to challenge the BJP. Ahead of her formal entry, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confidently projected a decisive victory for the BJP and its allies.

Addressing a public event in Dimoria, Kamrup Metropolitan district, Sarma claimed that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) could secure 103 out of 126 assembly seats in the upcoming elections, slated for March-April 2026. He noted that earlier projections had indicated around 90 seats, but following constituency delimitation, the number has increased by 13–15 seats.

Currently, the BJP in Assam is in alliance with three regional parties—the Assam Gana Parishad (AGP), United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), and Bodoland People’s Front (BPF). However, formal seat-sharing arrangements within the NDA are yet to be finalized.

Congress Strategy

The Congress party, aiming to regain power in Assam, has positioned Priyanka Gandhi as the key face for the elections. Assam Congress President Gaurav Gogoi stated that the party would contest 100 seats, leaving the remaining 26 for potential allies such as Raijor Dal, Assam Jatiya Parishad, and CPI(M). He also clarified that the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) would not be part of any opposition coalition.

Election Background

• 2021 Assembly Elections: BJP + allies: 75 (60+15), Congress: 29, AIUDF: 16, Others: 1
• 2016 Assembly Elections: BJP + allies: 88 (60+28), Congress: 26, AIUDF: 13, Others: 1
• 2011 Assembly Elections: BJP: 5, Congress: 78, AIUDF: 8, Others: 30

The total number of assembly seats in Assam is 126, and a party or coalition needs at least 64 seats to form the government. BJP’s face for the polls will be CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, while Congress has fielded Gaurav Gogoi, the current Lok Sabha MP, as its key candidate.

With high-profile leaders entering the fray and strategic alliances shaping up, the Assam Assembly elections are set to be a closely watched political battle.