Ballot Zone Northeast

We try and analyze how the Northeast will add to the national tally this coming elections.

- Nabarun Guha

Barely a handful of days before Bhogali Bihu, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) created ripples in the political scenario of the Northeast by breaking their alliance with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Public anger was mounting against the BJP over the issue of Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) and AGP, the only major regional party from Assam gave into public sentiments as Atul Bora, Keshab Mahanta and Phani Bhushan Choudhury resigned from Sarbananda Sonowal’s cabinet.

But, just two months down the line, things have changed drastically. A few weeks before the Lok Sabha elections, AGP renewed its alliance with BJP. While political pundits are speculating the outcome of this alliance, recent developments has made it clear that there is nothing more unpredictable than the politics of the Northeast. While at this moment, it seems that Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has a definite edge. But if we look at the bigger picture, it would be interesting to see how Northeast adds to it.

Assam: Complex Emotions

Since the Narendra Modi government has come to the power in Delhi in 2014, the attention has been diverted to the Northeast, with special focus on Assam. From boosting connectivity by inaugurating the Bogibeel Bridge to revitalizing healthcare sector in the State by bringing AIIMS in Changsari, a phase of development has indeed been initiated in Assam during the current regime. Traditionally, the fight in Assam has always been between Congress and AGP with All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) also becoming a major player in the 2011 Assembly elections. However, BJP despite winning just 5 Assembly seats in 2011 managed to win in 8 Lok Sabha seats in 2014. Two years later, they formed the government in the State with a twelvefold increase in their Assembly seats.