By Assam Muse Editorial | March 3, 2026
GUWAHATI: As the spring festivities of Dol Jatra wind down, the political atmosphere in Assam is heating up. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has confirmed that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA)—comprising the BJP, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), and now potentially the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF)—will finalize its seat-sharing arrangement by March 10.
This announcement comes amid a flurry of high-level meetings in Delhi and Guwahati, as the ruling coalition looks to consolidate its strength against the newly formed opposition bloc, the Asom Sonmilito Morcha (ASOM) led by Gaurav Gogoi.
The Complexity of the Alliance
Unlike the 2021 elections, the 2026 landscape is far more crowded. The BJP, which currently holds 64 seats in the 126-member assembly, is navigating a delicate balancing act:
• The AGP Factor: The AGP, which contested 22 seats in 2021, is facing internal pressure to retain its influence, while the BJP is rumored to be eying a larger share in Upper Assam.
• The BTR Tussle: In the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), the situation is particularly tense. The BJP has recently befriended the BPF (Hagrama Mohilary), creating friction with its existing ally UPPL (Pramod Boro). Both regional parties are eyeing the same 15 constituencies.
• Smaller Allies: Agreements with the Rabha Hasong Joutha Sangram Samiti (RHJSS) are reportedly already complete, signaling the NDA’s intent to secure the tribal belts.
Why March 10 Matters
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has recently visited Guwahati, hinting that the Model Code of Conduct could be implemented within the first week of March. By setting a March 10 deadline, the CM aims to present a united front before the official poll dates are announced.
The Opposition Counter
While the NDA irons out its differences, the Congress-led ASOM released its first list of 42 candidates today. This early move by the opposition has put pressure on the ruling alliance to stop “negotiating” and start “campaigning.”
The Muse’s Perspective
At Assam Muse, we see this not just as a numbers game, but as a test of the CM’s “Big Tent” politics. Can the BJP satisfy the regional aspirations of the AGP and the conflicting demands of BPF/UPPL without alienating its own grassroots workers? The decision made by March 10 will likely determine the momentum for the next five years of Assam’s governance.