AIUDF Signals Openness to Congress Alliance but Launches Sharp Attacks Ahead of Assam Polls

With the Assam Assembly elections approaching, the AIUDF appears divided over its strategy. Party chief Badruddin Ajmal said the AIUDF is open to an alliance with the Congress to defeat the BJP, while indicating it may contest 30–35 seats. However, he simultaneously criticised the Congress over its silence on eviction drives and accused it of neglecting Muslim education. Ajmal also targeted Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi with strong remarks and defended the religious meaning of the term “jihad.” The Congress has firmly ruled out any alliance, with APCC president Gaurav Gogoi reiterating that there will be no tie-up with the AIUDF in the 2026 Assembly elections.