Assam Elections 2026: Will women voters, unemployment and infiltration decide the outcome?

Assam is gearing up for its April 9 Assembly elections amid intense political competition. Key issues such as NRC, CAA, eviction drives, and unemployment are dominating the narrative, while the emotional impact of Zubeen Garg’s death adds a unique dimension.

Post Published By: Sona Saini

Updated : 22 March 2026, 3:23 PM IST

Political Heat Rises in Assam Ahead of April 9 Assembly Polls

Guwahati: The political atmosphere in Assam has heated up ahead of the single-phase assembly elections scheduled for April 9, 2026. This election for the 126-seat assembly is no longer limited to development issues, but sensitive issues such as identity, citizenship, social justice, and land disputes have become central. Following the imposition of the code of conduct, all political parties are busy finalizing their strategies.

'Zubeen Garg' Factor Becomes an Emotional Issue

The death of renowned artist Zubeen Garg in Singapore in September 2025 has added an emotional edge to the election atmosphere. The state government has resorted to a special court to expedite the hearing of the case, while the opposition is raising this issue and questioning the government. Zubeen Garg's popularity could influence the youth and "silent voters" in particular.

Political Battle Over Eviction Drive

The government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, is presenting the ongoing eviction drive as "protecting the rights of indigenous peoples." The government claims to have freed the land from encroachment. Opposition parties like the Congress and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIUDF) are calling it "selective action" and a humanitarian crisis. This issue could prove decisive in minority-dominated areas.

Debate Rekindles on NRC and CAA

The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) have once again become the focus of the election. The BJP is calling the CAA a relief for refugees, while the opposition alleges that genuine citizens were harassed under the NRC. This debate is influencing voters' attitudes toward the state's identity and demographics.

Crackdown on Child Marriage and Women Voters

The government's campaign against child marriage under the POCSO Act is being promoted as a social reform. However, the opposition is calling it a means of political polarization. Women voters, who constitute a significant portion of the total electorate, could be particularly affected by this issue.

Welfare schemes versus unemployment issue

The BJP is touting schemes like the 'double-engine government' and the 'Arunodaya Yojana' as its achievements. Meanwhile, the Congress, under the leadership of Gaurav Gogoi, is highlighting unemployment, rising debt, and uneven development as major issues.

Key Election Dates

Notification: March 16, 2026
Nomination deadline: March 23, 2026
Voting: April 9, 2026
Counting: May 4, 2026

Amidst all these issues, this Assam election is being considered extremely interesting and decisive, with every factor having the potential to influence the outcome.