The announcement of the schedule for the Assam Assembly elections has set the stage for a political campaign characterized by pivotal issues such as eviction, immigration, and development projects. The current Assembly comprises 126 members, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) holding 64 seats. Its allies include the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) with nine seats, the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) with seven, and the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) with three. In contrast, the opposition consists of the Indian National Congress with 26 seats, the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) with 15, and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and an independent member each.

Child Marriage Crackdown

Another significant issue anticipated in the campaign is the state government’s stringent measures against child marriage, resulting in numerous arrests under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. While the ruling alliance may present these measures as crucial for combating social evils, the opposition is likely to argue that the actions disproportionately affect the Muslim community.

Forest Land and Property Reclamation

The ruling alliance is expected to focus on its initiatives aimed at reclaiming forest land, temple property, and other government assets claimed to be encroached upon. However, the opposition is poised to characterize these eviction efforts as a humanitarian crisis, emphasizing the displacement of people who have lost their homes and economic livelihoods as a result of demolitions.

Immigration and National Identity

Illegal immigration remains a fundamental topic in Assamese politics that is likely to gain attention during the election campaign. It has historically been intertwined with the state’s political landscape, notably influencing movements such as the Assam Agitation and leading to the Assam Accord. The BJP-led government asserts that it has taken significant steps to implement the Assam Accord’s provisions, while the opposition questions its commitment to providing safeguards for the cultural and linguistic identity of the indigenous Assamese population.

NRC and CAA Discussions

Central to the immigration debate is the updating of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The ruling party is expected to defend the CAA, suggesting that opposition to the law is unfounded, as only a small number of Bangladeshi Hindus have sought citizenship under it. The debate surrounding these issues is likely to remain contentious throughout the campaigning period.

Development Initiatives and Welfare Schemes

The Assam government is set to showcase major development initiatives focusing on infrastructure improvements in roads, railways, airports, and waterways. Investments, including a notable Tata semiconductor unit, are also expected to be highlighted. Nevertheless, the opposition is likely to challenge the claim of equitable development, asserting that benefits have primarily favored specific regions at the cost of indigenous communities.

Welfare Programs for Women and Youth

The ruling coalition will likely emphasize its welfare programs for women, such as monthly financial assistance and support for women entrepreneurs. Given that women constitute nearly half of the electorate, the opposition may counter that incidents of violence against women persist and that assistance distribution is inconsistent. Additionally, the government will showcase its recruitment initiatives, having purportedly appointed over 160,000 youths across various departments.

Public Sentiment Following Zubeen Garg’s Death

The recent death of acclaimed singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore has also caught public attention, with calls for justice concerning the circumstances surrounding his alleged murder. Opposition parties may hold the government accountable for perceived inaction, while the ruling side will point to the establishment of a Special Investigation Team and subsequent arrests in relation to the case, which is currently under judicial review.

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