NEW DELHI: The 2026 Assam Assembly elections are shaping up as a defining political contest, a clash of experience and emerging leadership, legacy and new energy. At the centre of this battle are two high-profile constituencies, Jorhat, where Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi has turned the race into a prestige fight, and Jalukbari, the long-standing stronghold of chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.The broader contest will see the ruling BJP-led NDA, comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party, Asom Gana Parishad and Bodoland People’s Front, seeking a third consecutive term in the 126-member Assembly. The Indian National Congress, meanwhile, is aiming to return to power after a decade in the Opposition.
Jalukbari: Sarma’s fortress faces fresh challenge
Jalukbari in Kamrup district remains one of the most closely watched seats, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma seeking re-election from a constituency he has dominated for nearly 25 years. Representing the seat since 2001 after defeating AGP leader Bhrigu Kumar Phukan, Sarma has built a formidable political base.In 2026, he faces Congress candidate Bidisha Neog and independent contender Dipika Das. Despite the challenge, Sarma enters the contest with a strong track record and overwhelming past margins
(Photo credit: ANI)
In the 2021 Assembly elections, Sarma secured a landslide victory with 1,30,762 votes, accounting for 78.4% of the vote share. He defeated Congress candidate Romen Chandra Borthakur, who received 28,851 votes (17.3%), while independent candidates trailed far behind. The victory margin stood at a massive 1,01,911 votes.The constituency, reshaped after the 2023 delimitation, now has 2,10,624 voters spread across 247 polling stations. With a mix of urban and semi-urban populations, Jalukbari remains politically significant and continues to reflect Sarma’s dominance.Sarma, 57, holds a doctorate and has declared assets of over Rs 35 lakh. His main challenger, Bidisha Neog, 34, is a graduate with assets of around Rs 34.6 lakh, while independent candidate Dipika Das, 44, a postgraduate, has declared assets worth Rs 5.2 lakh.
Jorhat: Gogoi turns ‘tea capital’ into battleground
If Jalukbari represents continuity, Jorhat symbolises disruption. Once a colonial administrative hub and now widely known as Assam’s “tea capital”, the constituency has emerged as the focal point of the state’s political battle.Gaurav Gogoi’s decision to contest here has transformed Jorhat into a high-stakes arena. The son of former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and the sitting Lok Sabha MP from Jorhat, Gogoi’s entry has injected fresh momentum into the Congress campaign and elevated the contest beyond a routine electoral fight.He faces BJP’s sitting MLA Hitendra Nath Goswami, who has held the seat since 2016 and continues to command strong grassroots support. Goswami’s established network makes him a formidable opponent, but Gogoi’s presence has turned the contest into a closely fought battle with no clear frontrunner.
Priyanka Gandhi in Guwahati (PTI)
Jorhat’s electoral dynamics are shaped by its unique social composition. Tea garden communities play a crucial role, alongside a significant Ahom Hindu population and Assamese-speaking voters. This mix makes the constituency politically sensitive and decisive in Upper Assam.Under the BJP government, Jorhat has seen visible infrastructure improvements, including new flyovers and upgrades in healthcare facilities. However, several persistent issues continue to influence voter sentiment.The recent delimitation exercise has further altered the electoral landscape, with changes in voter composition across urban and rural areas. While urban pockets are expected to witness a tight contest, rural areas may lean towards Goswami due to his long-standing presence. At the same time, younger voters could emerge as a decisive factor, with many seen as potential supporters of Gogoi.In the 2021 Assembly elections, out of 1,76,834 electors, Goswami secured 68,321 votes, defeating Congress candidate Rana Goswami by a margin of 6,488 votes.In 2016, the margin was wider, with Goswami winning by 13,638 votes, securing 69,209 votes against Rana Goswami’s 55,571. These results underline the constituency’s competitive nature and suggest another close contest in 2026.At the state level, the BJP-led NDA enters the election with a position of strength. In 2021, the BJP secured 60 seats with a 33.21% vote share, while the Congress won 29 seats with 29.67% of the votes.The NDA is banking on governance, development and leadership continuity to secure a third straight term. The Congress, on the other hand, is attempting to capitalise on anti-incumbency and local issues, with leaders like Gogoi spearheading its campaign.With high stakes for both the NDA and the Congress, the outcome will not only determine the next government but also shape the future trajectory of politics in the state.Polling for all 126 constituencies will be held in a single phase on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4.