Regional vs National Parties Lock Horns Over Assamese Identity in Poll-Bound Assam

With the 2026 Assembly elections approaching, Assam’s political landscape is witnessing an intense contest between regional and national parties, each seeking to position itself as the true guardian of Assamese identity.
The issue of protecting “jati, mati, bheti” (community, land and homeland) has once again taken centre stage in the electoral discourse. Concerns over illegal migration, demographic changes, and preservation of indigenous culture continue to influence voter sentiment across the state.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reinforced its narrative of safeguarding Assamese identity, a key factor behind its rise to power in 2016. The party continues to highlight measures such as the updating of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and eviction drives as part of its commitment to protecting indigenous rights.
On the other hand, the opposition Indian National Congress is also attempting to reclaim political ground by emphasising its past role in initiating the NRC process and addressing identity-related concerns during its tenure in the state.
Meanwhile, the space for independent regional politics appears to be shrinking. Once a dominant force, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP)—born out of the historic Assam Movement—now functions as an ally of the BJP, contesting a limited number of seats. This shift has raised questions about the declining influence of regional parties in shaping Assam’s political narrative.
Newer regional outfits such as the Raijor Dal and the Assam Jatiya Parishad, which emerged from the anti-CAA protests, have also entered into alliances with national parties, further blurring the line between regional and national political agendas.
Political observers note that despite these alignments, identity politics remains deeply entrenched in Assam. Issues such as migration, land rights, and cultural preservation are expected to dominate campaign rhetoric across party lines in the run-up to the polls.
As the election draws closer, the central question remains whether voters will place their trust in regional forces rooted in local aspirations or in national parties with broader political reach and organisational strength.
The outcome of the الانتخابات is likely to shape not just the state’s political future but also the evolving discourse around identity and representation in Assam.