Amit Shah Launches BJP’s Assam Poll Campaign, NDA Targets 100 Seats in 2026 Elections

Guwahati, Aug 29: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday set the political tone for the upcoming 2026 Assam Assembly elections, urging BJP workers and NDA allies to intensify their fight against infiltrators and strengthen development initiatives. The NDA has announced an ambitious target of winning 100 out of 126 seats in next year’s polls.

The declaration came during a massive rally in Guwahati, attended by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, and Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) president Atul Bora. The event highlighted themes of development, safeguarding Assam’s identity, and sharp criticism of the Congress party.

Sarma Vows to Protect Assam’s “Jati, Mati, Bhet”

Addressing panchayat representatives, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma stressed the protection of Assam’s jati, mati, bhet (community, land, and foundation). He promised to reclaim land encroached by outsiders and alleged that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, along with Islamic scholar Madani, had “threatened” him. Drawing historical parallels, Sarma declared that Assam would defend itself just as it did in the Battle of Saraighat against foreign invaders.

Sonowal and Bora Slam Congress

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal accused the Congress of leaving behind a legacy of “neglect, terrorism, and unrest,” while crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government for ushering in peace and development across the Northeast.

AGP leader Atul Bora echoed concerns about the spread of fundamentalist forces during Congress rule but asserted that the NDA government has restored order by signing peace accords with various insurgent groups.

Shah’s Attack on Congress and Infiltration Issue

During his two-day visit, Amit Shah launched the BJP’s groundwork for the 2026 polls, directly targeting the Congress for “protecting infiltrators.” He criticised Rahul Gandhi’s “Ghuspetiya Bachao Yatra” in Bihar, calling it an attempt to safeguard illegal immigrants, and demanded that Gandhi apologise to Prime Minister Modi and the nation.

Highlighting Assam’s anti-encroachment drives, Shah revealed that 1,29,548 acres of land had been freed from infiltrators and sanctity restored at several Vaishnavite monasteries.

Shah also spoke at the centenary celebration of Assam’s first non-Congress Chief Minister Golap Borbora, recalling his 1978 voter list cleansing drive that detected 36,780 illegal names, which later sparked the Assam Agitation.

BJP’s Commitment and Poll Arithmetic

Reaffirming the BJP’s pledge, Shah said the high-power demography mission launched by PM Modi would play a key role in identifying infiltrators and ensuring demographic balance.

The Assam Assembly elections, expected in March-April 2026, will decide the fate of 126 seats. The BJP currently holds 64 seats, while allies AGP and UPPL have nine and seven MLAs respectively. The opposition comprises Congress (26), AIUDF (15), BPF (3), CPI(M) (1), and one Independent member.

Shah later departed for New Delhi, with CM Sarma and state ministers seeing him off. In a post on X, Sarma described Shah’s guidance as “energising and motivational” for the BJP’s campaign in Assam.