With the countdown to the 2026 Assam Assembly elections underway, a mix of contentious and long-standing issues-including eviction drives, the National Register of Citizens (NRC), and illegal immigration—are poised to shape the political narrative across the state.
Eviction drives carried out in several districts have emerged as a major flashpoint ahead of the polls. While the ruling government has defended these actions as necessary to reclaim government land and curb encroachment, opposition parties have criticized them for allegedly targeting vulnerable communities and creating humanitarian concerns. The issue is expected to feature prominently in campaign speeches and political debates.
The NRC, a politically sensitive and emotionally charged subject in Assam, is also likely to return to the centre stage. The exercise, aimed at identifying illegal immigrants, continues to influence public discourse and voter sentiment. Political parties are expected to revisit their positions on the NRC, with debates focusing on its implementation, exclusions, and future course of action.
Illegal immigration, particularly from neighbouring Bangladesh, remains another key issue. Political leaders have already begun invoking concerns over infiltration and demographic change, indicating that identity politics will play a significant role in shaping electoral strategies.
Alongside these issues, development and governance are expected to form a parallel narrative in the campaign. The ruling party is likely to highlight its record on infrastructure, welfare schemes, and law and order, while opposition parties may seek to counter these claims by pointing to gaps in implementation and social challenges.
As campaigning gathers momentum, the interplay of identity, land rights, and development is set to define the electoral battleground in Assam, making the 2026 Assembly elections a closely watched and high-stakes political contest.
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