Assam: Both ruling and opposition alliances finding it difficult to close seat-sharing arrangements

Guwahati: Both the ruling and opposition alliances in Assam are struggling to finalise seat-sharing arrangements ahead of the assembly polls, raising the possibility of friendly contests between allies in several constituencies.

The ruling BJP is in talks with its allies Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland People's Front (BPF), but grassroots workers in all parties are pushing for a larger share of seats in this year's elections.

In the 2021 assembly polls, the AGP contested 29 seats - 26 on its own while three witnessed friendly fights - and won nine. The party has been an ally of the BJP since 2014.


Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently said initial discussions with AGP have begun and the seat-sharing arrangement could be finalised by March 9 or 10.

Asked about claims by some AGP leaders seeking more seats, Sarma said he was not aware of such demands but did not rule out friendly contests.

Another BJP ally, United People's Party Liberal (UPPL), has announced it will contest 21 seats in the polls - 15 in the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) region and six outside it. BPF and UPPL have made it clear they cannot contest the elections together or enter into a seat-sharing arrangement.

Meanwhile, the opposition alliance has announced plans to begin a joint campaign across the state. Four parties have come together to project a united front ahead of the 2026 Assam Assembly elections.

Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi said the alliance partners will soon hold coordinated campaign meetings across the state. "We have only 30 days in hand and these 30 days are extremely important," he said.