Guwahati: The 2026 Assam Legislative Assembly elections are scheduled for April 9, with all 126 constituencies going to the polls in a single phase. Results are expected to be announced on May 4.
The Election Commission has outlined the complete timeline, covering candidate nominations and vote counting.
More than 2.49 crore citizens are eligible to vote, and this election will determine the next government as the current assembly’s term concludes in May.
The single-phase polling aims to ensure a smooth and efficient process. A party or alliance must win at least 64 seats to form the government. With several major parties in the fray, voter turnout, regional issues, and shifting political loyalties are expected to influence the outcome.
The political environment in Assam is intense, with debates over ethnic identity, development, and minority rights shaping the elections. The main contest is between the BJP-led NDA and the Asom Sonmiloto Morcha (ASM) alliance led by Congress.
Opposition parties are highlighting issues like alleged mistreatment of minorities, displacement of indigenous communities, and corruption allegations against ruling party leaders. From the tea gardens of Upper Assam to the river islands of western Assam, politics reflects a mix of regional identity and development concerns.
Key constituencies in Guwahati and Bodoland
Several constituencies are expected to see high-profile battles. In Dispur (No. 33), BJP has nominated former Congress MLA Pradyut Bordoloi, surprising the opposition. In Guwahati Central (No. 36), Kunki Choudhury of Asom Jatiya Parishad faces BJP’s Vijay Gupta, who has been labeled “non-Assamese” in local debates. Jalukbari (No. 37) is a major contest as Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma seeks a seventh consecutive term.
In Bodoland, the stakes are high as well. In Dotoma (No. 2), BPF’s Rabiram Narzary competes with UPPL’s Raju Kumar Narzary in a “brother-versus-brother” fight. Kokrajhar (No. 3) features a tight race between BPF’s Sewli Mohilary and UPPL’s Lawrence Islary. In Abhayapuri (No. 16), BJP fields ex-AGP MLA Bhupen Rai against Congress’s Pradip Sarkar, who recently switched parties. Srijangram (No. 17) is a three-way contest between Congress, AIUDF, and AGP candidates. In Bongaigaon (No. 18), AGP’s Deeptimoyee Choudhury is up against independent BJP rebel Chakradhar Das.
New and unpredictable constituencies
Newly formed constituencies are drawing attention for unpredictable results. Pakabetbari (No. 25) is a triangular contest among Congress, AIUDF, and AGP. In Chamaria (No. 27), Congress heavyweight Rekibuddin Ahmed is a key contender. Rangia (No. 31) sees BJP’s Bhabesh Kalita against Congress’s Pranjit Choudhury, while Nalbari (No. 39) features Jayanta Malla Barua (BJP) competing with Ashok Sarma (Congress). In Tamulpur (No. 43), BJP Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary faces former ally Pramod Boro (UPPL).
Upper Assam and hill constituencies
Upper Assam will see competitive regional fights. In Sivasagar (No. 96), BJP and AGP compete despite their alliance, with independent Akhil Gogoi (Raijor Dal) in the mix. Jorhat (No. 100) is a “clash of titans,” with Congress president Gaurav Gogoi challenging five-time BJP winner Hitendranath Goswami. Mariani (No. 101) features a generational contest between BJP’s Rupjyoti Kurmi and youth icon Gyanashree Bora (Raijor Dal).
In Dima Hasao Hills, Haflong (No. 113), a three-way battle is underway among BJP’s Rupali Langthasa, NPP’s Daniel Langthasa, and Congress’s Nandita Garlosa, a former BJP minister turned Congress candidate.
The 2026 Assam Assembly elections are expected to be closely contested across the state. Factors such as voter turnout, local issues, and the strategies of political parties are likely to determine which party forms the next government.