Himanta Biswa Sarma says Congress has effectively garnered monopoly of Muslim vote in Assam
In a significant development following the recent Lok Sabha elections in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted the shifting allegiances among minority voters in the state. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), secured a prominent victory in Assam, clinching nine out of the 14 available seats. However, the Congress emerged as the preferred choice among minority voters, winning three crucial seats, while the United People’s Party, Liberal (UPPL), and Asom Gana Parishad each took one seat.
Chief Minister Sarma pointed out that the Congress had effectively garnered the monopoly of the Muslim vote in Assam, particularly in the Nagaon and Dhubri constituencies. This marks a notable shift from previous elections where the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) led by Mohammed Badruddin Ajmal also held significant sway over the Muslim electorate. “This time, the Congress had the monopoly over the Muslim vote in Assam. In Nagaon, where Hindus predominantly reside, we are leading, while in areas with a Muslim majority, Pradyut Bordoloi of Congress is leading,” Sarma explained during a press meet.
Discussing the specifics of the Dhubri seat, Sarma elaborated, “In Dhubri, Rakibul Hussain of Congress is leading in 11 Muslim-majority constituencies. It shows that between Ajmal and the Congress, who can get the most votes from minorities, Congress is definitely winning the battle.”
The election results in Assam reflect a broader narrative within the national context, where the BJP-led NDA secured a total of 293 seats, falling short of a standalone majority but still holding a significant lead over the opposition INDIA bloc, which won 234 seats. Despite the BJP’s strong performance nationally, the Congress’s ability to attract minority votes in Assam indicates a potential shift in voter dynamics and priorities, particularly in regions with significant minority populations.
The results from Assam suggest a nuanced voter behavior, where communal affiliations may be realigning. Such shifts are crucial for both the BJP and Congress as they strategize for future electoral challenges. For the BJP, maintaining its broader national appeal while addressing regional and communal diversities will be essential. For Congress, capitalizing on these gains and building a more inclusive approach could rejuvenate its standing in other similarly diverse regions.