AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam announces that the party will fight the 2026 Assam assembly elections independently. However, there scope for future talks if Congress comes forward with a proposal for a united fight, he said
NEW DELHI/ GUWAHATI – As momentum builds for the 2026 Assam Assembly elections, the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), led by Badruddin Ajmal, has announced its intention to contest 35 seats independently, without aligning with any other political party.
AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam outlined the party’s electoral strategy, confirming that it will go solo in the next polls under part president Badruddin Ajmal’s leadership.
“We are preparing to contest 35 seats across the state in the upcoming Assembly elections,” Islam told the media. “This decision comes after thorough discussions with our party president Badruddin Ajmal and other MLAs. At this point, we are not pursuing any alliance.”
However, he hinted that there may be scope for future talks if Congress comes forward with a proposal for a united fight. “We believe all opposition parties should come together to defeat the BJP. But no single party, including Congress, is capable of defeating BJP alone,” he added. “If Congress seriously thinks about an alliance, we will consider it. But we are not going to wait for anyone.”
The AIUDF enjoys strong support in Muslim-majority regions of Assam, especially in districts like Dhubri, Barpeta, and Nagaon. These are expected to be among the 35 seats the party will contest. “Our focus will be on seats where we have strong organisational presence and loyal voters,” said a senior AIUDF leader who did not wish to be named.
Party insiders also said that AIUDF is aiming to increase its number of seats in the Assembly. “We won 16 seats in the 2021 elections. This time we are aiming higher,” said the leader.
In the last assembly elections held in 2021, AIUDF had joined hands with Congress, Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), and Left parties in a bid to remove the BJP from power. This ‘Mahajot’ or grand alliance had made headlines, but it did not succeed.
BJP and its allies, including Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), together won 75 seats, securing a clear majority. AIUDF had contested in limited seats and managed to win 16. Congress secured 29 seats, while BPF and the Left parties won a few seats each. The total count of the alliance stood at 44 seats — far below the majority mark in the 126-member assembly.
“The people trusted BJP more than the alliance in 2021,” said political analyst Bhaskar Deka. “AIUDF performed well in pockets, but the alliance as a whole lacked coordination and clarity.”
According to MLA Aminul Islam, the decision to go alone in 2026 is based on careful thought. “Last time we tried an alliance. It didn’t work out. This time we want to contest with our own strength,” he said. He also stated that the party has already started booth-level preparations in many constituencies.
Another AIUDF leader explained, “Alliances create confusion among voters. We want to send a clear message that AIUDF is fighting for the people of Assam, especially minorities who are feeling neglected.”
Though the party is clear about contesting alone for now, the doors are not completely shut. Aminul Islam clearly stated, “If the Congress approaches us seriously, we can think about working together. But we are not going to run after anyone.”
A senior Congress leader from Assam, when asked about the possibility of alliance talks, said, “Right now, we are focused on strengthening our own organisation. Talks about alliances will happen at the right time.”
Meanwhile, the ruling BJP has started its own ground-level work. A party worker from Upper Assam said, “We are confident of winning again. The people have seen our work. No opposition party can challenge us in a serious way.”
Badruddin Ajmal, who is also a sitting Member of Parliament from Dhubri, has been a prominent face in Assam politics for years. Known for his influence in Muslim-dominated areas, Ajmal’s party was formed in 2005 and has since emerged as a significant force in state elections.
Even though AIUDF is often accused by BJP leaders of “communal politics”, the party enjoys steady support in western Assam and parts of central Assam. “We are working for the rights of the poor and marginalised. We are not here to please anyone,” Ajmal said in a recent rally.
He has not yet made a formal public statement about the 2026 elections, but party sources say he is holding regular internal meetings and reviewing preparations.
The upcoming elections are likely to be a tough battle for BJP as various parties, including Congress and AIUDF, are trying to rebuild their base. While AIUDF is planning to fight alone, the Congress is looking at a broader strategy.
Political watchers feel that any serious threat to the BJP’s rule in Assam would require cooperation between opposition parties. “The BJP’s strength lies in the divided opposition,” said Professor Hiren Saikia, a political commentator based in Guwahati. “Unless Congress and AIUDF find common ground, it will be difficult to stop the BJP.”
AIUDF has already started meetings at the district and block levels. “We have appointed coordinators in each of the 35 seats we plan to contest. Our message is clear — we are ready,” said MLA Islam.
He added, “People are unhappy with the present government over issues like inflation, unemployment and NRC. We believe they are looking for change.”
When asked about seat-wise candidates, he said, “Names will be declared closer to the election date. But yes, we will give tickets to hardworking, honest and ground-connected leaders.”
Muslim voters make up around 34 per cent of Assam’s population and are a deciding factor in many constituencies. AIUDF hopes to consolidate these votes. “We are the true voice of minorities,” said a party supporter in Barpeta. “We want Ajmal Sahab to lead the fight.”
However, critics argue that dividing opposition votes between AIUDF and Congress will again help the BJP. “This happened in the past and might happen again,” said local journalist Nayan Talukdar.
As the political heat rises in Assam ahead of the 2026 assembly elections, AIUDF’s announcement to contest 35 seats independently has made the scenario interesting. With no clear word yet from Congress and a confident BJP, the road to Dispur remains uncertain.
AIUDF’s gamble to fight solo may either increase its influence or split the opposition vote — a fact only time and voters will reveal. But one thing is clear: the battle for Assam has already begun.
