New Delhi, March 21 (NationPress) In the upcoming elections next month, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress are set to face off exclusively in Assam, where they comprise the main elements of their respective coalitions.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has emerged as a significant and charismatic figure for the BJP as the convenor of the North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA). His transformation has been extraordinary since departing from Congress, and regardless of personal opinions, his pivotal role in Northeast politics is undeniable.

Although concerns about anti-incumbency loom ahead of his third consecutive bid for office, Sarma appears to have gained strength. He has become a deft strategist and astute politician in the region.

Earlier this month, Sarma's Aashirvad Yatra attracted immense crowds. His administration’s achievements in infrastructure and welfare initiatives have significantly enhanced his popularity.

His campaign against outsiders occupying land, especially immigrants from Bangladesh, which is a deeply emotive subject for the local populace, has resonated well.

Consequently, the BJP is strategically positioned, benefiting from a robust grassroots network and the recent 2023 constituency delimitation.

During this process, the number of seats dominated by Muslims decreased from 35 to 24, presumably weakening both Congress and the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), led by Badruddin Ajmal, in their historical strongholds.

Additionally, the increase in seats reserved for Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes supports the BJP’s outreach efforts.

The Opposition appears fragmented. Despite a six-party coalition, Congress grapples with structural vulnerabilities and leadership challenges, leading to significant departures.

Notable exits include Bhupen Bora and Pradyut Bordoloi, with the latter's son, Prateek, even retracting his candidacy. The BJP and its allies have taken advantage of this by portraying Congress as disorganized.

On the ground in Upper Assam, the BJP holds dominance in Dibrugarh, having won the Parliamentary constituency three times consecutively since 2014. They secured all Assembly segments in 2021, with the exception of one that went to the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP).

In Jorhat, the Parliamentary seat was clinched by Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi in 2024, where he defeated the incumbent BJP candidate by nearly 1.4 lakh votes. Although Congress dominated most Assembly segments, the BJP's stronghold in the 2021 elections is leading them to exert full efforts in these areas.

In the Tinsukia district, the BJP-led alliance performed strongly in the last Assembly elections, winning both the 2016 and 2021 elections. The coalition excelled in this region, which is characterized by tea gardens and areas populated by Assamese.

The NDA also retains its influence in the hill districts, where tribal votes have consolidated in favor of Sarma in autonomous council jurisdictions.

A competitive contest is anticipated in central Assam and the Barak Valley region, based on historical results. However, a potential split in minority votes between former allies Congress and AIUDF may not bode well for the Opposition.