The state of Assam has stood witness to the nation’s most polarizing elections in recent history, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) fighting for a third consecutive term. The 2026 assembly polls, held on April 9, have brought to the forefront the contentious issue of ‘immigration,’ a narrative that has been central to the BJP’s electoral strategy for years. With the counting of votes nearing its end, the stage is set for a nail-biting finale that will determine the fate of the incumbent government.
First Section
The ‘immigration’ narrative, which centers around the alleged influx of Bengali-speaking migrants from neighboring Bangladesh, has been a crucial plank in the BJP’s election campaign. The party’s leaders, including Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, have repeatedly emphasized the need to protect Assamese culture and identity from the perceived threat of ‘outsiders.’ This rhetoric, while emotive and resonant with many voters, has been criticized for being divisive and xenophobic by the opposition parties, including the Indian National Congress (INC) and the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF).
However, it is evident that the immigration narrative has struck a chord with a significant section of the Assamese voter base. A survey conducted by a prominent research institution reveals that a whopping 75% of respondents in the state are concerned about the issue of immigration, with many viewing it as a major threat to their livelihoods and way of life. The BJP has cleverly exploited this sentiment, promising to take stern action against ‘illegal immigrants’ and providing a sense of security to the Assamese people.
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But is the immigration narrative the only reason behind the BJP’s electoral success in Assam? Experts argue that the party’s performance is also due to its effective governance and development initiatives, such as the implementation of the ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ and the ‘Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.’ These schemes, aimed at improving sanitation and providing affordable housing, have been widely appreciated by the people, particularly in rural areas.
Moreover, the BJP’s strong leadership and organization have played a crucial role in its electoral success. The party’s top brass, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, have made several high-profile visits to the state, addressing massive rallies and engaging with the voters. This has helped the BJP to build a strong connect with the people, particularly in the Brahmin and Vaishya communities, who have traditionally been loyal supporters of the party.
Third Section
As the counting of votes nears its end, the BJP is poised to secure a third consecutive term in Assam, albeit with a reduced margin. The party’s victory will be attributed to a combination of factors, including the effective use of the immigration narrative, good governance, and strong leadership. However, the opposition parties will take heart from the fact that the BJP’s vote share has decreased significantly, indicating a growing disillusionment among the people with the party’s policies and performance.
The result in Assam will have significant implications for the national politics, with the BJP’s victory providing a boost to the party’s prospects in the upcoming general elections. On the other hand, a defeat will send a strong signal to the party’s leadership that it needs to re-examine its strategy and policies to connect with the people. As the nation waits with bated breath for the outcome of the Assam polls, one thing is clear – the ‘immigration’ narrative may have saved the BJP’s fortunes, but for how long remains to be seen.
