As Assam gears up for the 2026 Assembly elections, the political scene is heating up. Allies within the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) are doubling down on their grassroots efforts, while seat-sharing discussions take place behind closed doors. With just over two months until the election schedule is announced, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its long-time ally, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), are navigating these waters with caution. Both parties are signaling unity while also prioritizing their individual organizational interests.
AGP MLA Ponakan Baruah emphasized that, despite ongoing seat-sharing negotiations with the BJP, the regional party aims to field candidates in at least one constituency within every district of Assam. “AGP and BJP have been in a coalition since 2001,” Baruah stated. “We fought the 2016 and 2021 Assembly elections together and formed the government. In the upcoming 2026 elections, we will continue our alliance. Our goal is to contest in at least one constituency in each district.”
However, Baruah also expressed concerns regarding the marginalization of AGP leaders and supporters in areas represented by BJP MLAs. He noted, “Despite the alliance, AGP leaders, workers, and volunteers are often excluded from government schemes in BJP-ruled constituencies. We want to prevent this issue from recurring after the 2026 elections.”
From the BJP side, Nalbari MLA and Cabinet Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah reiterated the party’s commitment to the alliance, underscoring the significance of having a robust AGP within the NDA framework. He remarked, “AGP is our alliance partner. It is a regional party that resonates with the people. It wouldn’t be fair to judge the entire party based on a few individuals. We want AGP to remain strong as our ally.”
Malla Baruah made these statements during the unveiling of a statue and vehicle shelter for former AGP minister Nagen Sarma in Nalbari town. Sarma, who served as an AGP minister and MLA, tragically lost his life in a bomb blast in 2000.
Earlier, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma refrained from commenting on AGP’s internal matters, emphasizing that decisions related to the alliance would be settled through formal dialogue. “AGP can propose as many tickets as it wishes. However, if an alliance is to be forged, a meeting must occur between AGP president Atul Bora and BJP state president Dilip Saikia,” he stated. The Chief Minister added that representatives from both parties are in the State Cabinet and discussions are ongoing. “Once a decision has been reached, we will notify the media,” he concluded.
As the election countdown accelerates, indications from both parties suggest a commitment to portraying stability, even as negotiations around seat allocations, influence, and grassroots coordination continue.
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/assam/ahead-of-2026-polls-agp-eyes-one-seat-per-district-as-bjp-talks-continue-1603285
Category: Assam,Featured
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Publish Date: 2026-01-03 14:39:00
