Time to Vote!

Assam is getting ready to host the 2021 Assam Legislative Assembly election, even in the middle of a pandemic

The last Assam Legislative Assembly election held in 2016 made headlines because Indian National Congress that had been governing the State since 2001 were voted out of power by the people of the State. And, in came the new Bharatiya Janata Party government. Now, in 2021, there is a lot of anticipation as to who win will the favour of the locals. BJP seems to be in the lead with regards to popularity but the issue of CAA may have alienated some supporters over the last year. And, Congress is skilfully using CAA to woo voters to their side. There is also the newly-formed Assam Jatiya Parishad that is creating some buzz. Needless to say, the road leading to Election Day has been eventful; we take a look at everything that has happened so far –

The Alliances

In total, there are a total of 13 political parties who will be contesting in this year’s election. The two big coalitions will be led by the ruling BJP and the Congress. As expected, BJP hopes to maintain their winning streak, and are looking to score a second term. The Congress had to suffer a major hiccup in the 2016 election when they were reduced to only 26 seats but this year they are hoping to come back strong.

BJP has aligned themselves with the regional party, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL). BJP will be contesting in 92 seats, AGP will be contesting from 26 seats and UPPL will be contesting from eight seats.