The All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) has announced that it will contest the upcoming 2026 Assam Legislative Assembly elections independently, with plans to field candidates in up to 51 constituencies, senior party leader Sushmita Dev said on Monday.
Addressing a press conference, Dev confirmed that the party has decided to go solo in the state polls, effectively ruling out any pre-poll alliance with the Indian National Congress or other opposition parties. The move marks a significant shift in Assam’s opposition dynamics, where anti-BJP forces have often attempted to unite.
Dev said that district-level party units have submitted proposals recommending that the TMC contest 51 seats across the state. The proposal has been forwarded to the party’s central leadership, including TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, who will take the final call on the number of constituencies.
“The party is preparing to fight strongly on its own strength in Assam,” Dev said, adding that the TMC is seeking to establish itself as a credible political alternative in the state. However, she indicated that limited seat adjustments with smaller regional parties could still be considered.
Highlighting the party’s preparedness, Dev noted that applications from prospective candidates have already been received from several regions, including Upper Assam, Lower Assam, and Barak Valley.
She also criticised the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that recent visits by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were being used to influence voters through official programmes.
The announcement comes as Assam gears up for a high-stakes electoral battle, with polling scheduled in April to elect all 126 members of the state Assembly. TMC’s decision to go it alone is expected to impact opposition vote-sharing and could add a new dimension to the contest in several constituencies.
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