The BJP-led NDA has secured a landslide victory in the Assam panchayat elections, marking a significant boost for Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls. The results have sent shockwaves through the Congress camp, which suffered a major setback, failing to counter the BJP’s growing influence in the state.
BJP’s Dominance in Assam’s Rural Politics
The BJP-AGP alliance won 300 out of 397 Zila Parishad seats (76%) and 1,436 out of 2,192 Anchalik Panchayat seats (66%), reflecting a sharp increase from their 2018 performance. The Congress’s vote share plummeted from 35% in 2018 to just 18%, with the party failing to win a single Zila Parishad seat in Jorhat, a traditional stronghold.
Key Factors Behind BJP’s Victory
- Aggressive Campaigning: Sarma’s high-energy campaign and grassroots mobilization played a crucial role.
- Social Welfare Schemes: Initiatives like Orunodoi and Nijut Moina resonated with voters.
- Strategic Alliances: BJP’s collaborations with local groups strengthened its rural base.
- Polarization of Votes: Sarma’s attack on Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, targeting his wife’s alleged Pakistani connection, led to voter polarization.
Congress Faces an Uphill Battle
The Congress’s inability to counter the BJP’s narrative has left the party struggling for answers. The division of Muslim votes between Congress and AIUDF further weakened its position. With the 2026 Assembly elections approaching, Congress must revamp its strategy to regain lost ground.
Looking Ahead
Sarma has set an ambitious target of winning 100 out of 126 Assembly seats in 2026. With BJP’s dominance in Jorhat, there are growing calls for Sarma to contest from the region. As Assam gears up for the next big political battle, the Congress’s response in the coming months will be crucial.
