Assam: Both Ruling and Opposition Alliances Finding It Difficult to Close Seat-Sharing Arrangements

As Assam prepares for the crucial 2026 Assembly elections, both the ruling coalition and the opposition alliance are grappling with complex negotiations over seat-sharing formulas. The discussions, involving several regional and national parties, have exposed tensions within both camps and delayed the finalisation of electoral strategies.

While the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is trying to maintain coordination among its allies, the opposition front led by the Congress is also facing disagreements over how many constituencies each party should contest.

NDA Negotiations Continue Despite Progress

The ruling alliance, headed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is negotiating with partners such as the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), and Rabha Hasong Joutha Mancha (RHJM) over the distribution of seats for the 126-member Assam Assembly.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently indicated that discussions with allies had largely been completed and that the final arrangement is awaiting approval from the BJP’s central leadership. ()

However, the process has not been entirely smooth. Regional parties have been pressing for a greater share of constituencies, particularly in areas where they have a strong voter base.

Another complication emerged when the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), currently part of the ruling coalition, signalled its intention to contest the elections independently in several constituencies. ()

Political analysts say such developments reflect the bargaining power regional parties are trying to assert within the alliance.

Opposition Alliance Faces Greater Challenges

If the ruling alliance is navigating negotiations carefully, the opposition coalition appears to be facing even bigger hurdles.

The Congress and several regional parties recently announced a joint front to challenge the BJP government in the upcoming elections. The alliance includes Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), CPI(M) and All People’s Hill Leaders Conference (APHLC). ()

Despite the formation of the coalition, seat-sharing talks remain unresolved, with smaller parties demanding a higher number of constituencies than the Congress is willing to concede.

Some leaders have publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the negotiations, warning that unilateral decisions by the Congress could weaken opposition unity ahead of the polls. ()

Friction Over Regional Party Demands

Regional outfits believe they deserve more seats in areas where they claim strong grassroots presence.

In several constituencies, overlapping claims by alliance partners have complicated negotiations. Analysts note that these disputes are common in multi-party alliances, especially when parties seek to protect their local influence and electoral prospects.

The seat-sharing debate has also been intensified by internal surveys and candidate selection processes being conducted by major parties, which sometimes contradict the expectations of smaller allies.

Strategic Stakes Ahead of the 2026 Polls

The Assam Assembly has 126 seats, and alliances are considered crucial for electoral success in the state’s fragmented political landscape. ()

For the BJP-led NDA, maintaining unity among allies is essential to retain power in the state. For the opposition, presenting a united front is seen as the only viable strategy to challenge the ruling coalition.

Political observers say delays in finalising seat-sharing agreements could affect campaign preparations, candidate announcements, and grassroots mobilisation.

A Test of Coalition Politics

With the election timeline approaching, both alliances are under pressure to settle their differences and announce a clear seat-sharing formula soon.

Whether the negotiations end in compromise or further friction will shape the electoral dynamics of Assam’s upcoming Asse

mbly polls.

For now, the race for constituencies has become almost as intense as the race for votes.