Upcoming Election in Assam

Assam is a state known for its captivating natural beauty, diverse ethnicities, and vibrant cultural heritage. As a crucial participant in India's democratic fabric, Assam holds immense significance in the country's electoral landscape. Assam is a state that proudly reflects the multicultural tapestry of India. It is home to numerous ethnic communities, including Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Karbi, Mishing, and many others. The Assam Legislative Assembly, known as the Assam Vidhan Sabha, serves as a crucial democratic institution responsible for governing the state. Comprising elected representatives, the assembly plays a vital role in the legislative process, policy formulation, and overseeing the executive functioning of the state government. The next Assam Legislative Assembly elections are scheduled to be held in 2026, as the state follows a five-year election cycle. 

Assam 2021 Legislative Election Result

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma

Assam State Legislative Assembly

The Assam State Legislative Assembly stands tall as the bedrock of democratic governance in the culturally diverse and scenic state of Assam. This legislative body serves as the voice of the people, responsible for enacting laws, representing constituencies, and shaping policies that cater to the varied needs and aspirations of the state. The Assam State Legislative Assembly, commonly known as the Assam Vidhan Sabha, is the elected representative body entrusted with the governance and legislation of the state. The Assam State Legislative Assembly has 126 legislators seats. The number of legislators allocated to each district is determined based on factors such as population, geographical area, and other considerations, ensuring a fair representation of interests from across the state. The Assam State Legislative Assembly serves as a driving force for development and progress in the state. The Assam State Legislative Assembly stands as the cornerstone of democratic representation, decision-making, and governance in Assam. It ensures that the diverse districts and constituencies of the state are heard, their concerns addressed, and their aspirations realized. The dedicated legislators and members of the assembly work together to drive development, progress, and welfare in the state, fostering a vibrant democracy that reflects the spirit of the people of Assam.

History of Assam legislative Assembly Election

The Assam Legislative Assembly came into existence in 1937. During the pre-independence era, the assembly primarily consisted of nominated members. However, the first direct elections were held in 1946. The Indian National Congress emerged as the leading political force during this period. After India's independence in 1947, the Indian National Congress continued to dominate Assam's political landscape. Notable leaders like Gopinath Bordoloi, Bishnu Ram Medhi and Hiteswar Saikia played significant roles in shaping the state's governance. The Congress party maintained its stronghold on power, securing multiple terms in office. The late 1970s witnessed the emergence of regional parties challenging the Congress's dominance in Assam. The Assam Agitation, led by the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) and the All Assam Gana Sangram Parishad (AAGSP), demanded the detection and deportation of illegal immigrants. 

The agitation led to the signing of the Assam Accord in 1985 and marked a significant shift in Assam's political dynamics. The Assam Legislative Assembly elections of 1985 marked a historic moment as the newly formed regional party, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), stormed to power, ending the Congress party's long reign. Prafulla Kumar Mahanta became the youngest Chief Minister in the country, and the AGP's victory was seen as a reflection of the state's sentiment for regional identity and the demand for safeguarding the rights of the indigenous people. The Congress party made a comeback in the 1991 legislative assembly elections, with Hiteswar Saikia leading the government. However, the state witnessed political alternations with the AGP regaining power in subsequent elections. The 1996 elections saw Prafulla Kumar Mahanta becoming Chief Minister for the second time, but internal conflicts within the party led to its decline in subsequent years.

In the early 2000s, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) began making inroads in Assam's political landscape. The formation of alliances with regional parties like the AGP and the Asom Gana Parishad (Progressive) played a crucial role in the BJP's rise to power. In the 2016 elections, the BJP, led by Sarbananda Sonowal, secured a majority, forming the government for the first time in the state's history. The Assam Legislative Assembly elections have witnessed dramatic shifts, marked by the dominance of the Congress party, the rise of regional parties, and the emergence of the BJP as a formidable political force.

Previous Assam legislative assembly election

The 2021 Assam Legislative Assembly election marked a significant chapter in the political history of the state. The 2021 Assam Legislative Assembly election took place in three phases on March 27, April 1, and April 6, 2021. The election was closely watched as it would determine the composition of the legislative assembly for the next five years. The primary contenders were the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Indian National Congress (INC), All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), and regional parties such as Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland People's Front (BPF). The election campaign in Assam revolved around key issues such as development, unemployment, identity politics, and the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Leaders from various political parties traversed the length and breadth of the state, addressing public rallies, conducting roadshows, and utilizing social media platforms to connect with voters. COVID-19 protocols were implemented to ensure safe polling, including mask-wearing, social distancing, and sanitization measures. The 2021 Assam Legislative Assembly election resulted in a decisive victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led alliance. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), comprising the BJP, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), and United People's Party Liberal (UPPL), secured a majority in the assembly. The BJP emerged as the single largest party within the alliance, retaining power for the second consecutive term.

The Indian National Congress (INC), which contested in alliance with the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), performed relatively well but fell short of securing a significant number of seats. The regional party, Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), formed by leaders from the Assam Movement, made its electoral debut but failed to gain significant traction. The 2021 Assam Legislative Assembly election demonstrated the consolidation of the BJP's influence in the state. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who successfully led the government during his first term, retained his position, while Himanta Biswa Sarma, a prominent BJP leader, emerged as a key figure in the state's politics.

The election also highlighted the changing dynamics of regional alliances. The AGP, a former ally of the BJP, renewed its partnership, while the Bodoland People's Front (BPF) switched sides to join the opposition. The All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) made gains in certain constituencies, reflecting the support base of its leader, Badruddin Ajmal. The 2021 Assam Legislative Assembly election reshaped the political landscape of the state, reinforcing the BJP's position as the dominant political force. The victory underscored the party's developmental agenda, strategic alliances, and effective campaigning. As Assam looks towards the future, the outcomes of this election will influence policy decisions, developmental priorities, and the direction of governance in the state for the next five years.