Sarma Downplays Early Assam Poll Survey, Says Alliance Picture Still Unclear

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday dismissed an early electoral survey predicting a BJP return in the 2026 Assembly polls, saying it was too soon to draw conclusions as alliances and seat-sharing are yet to be finalised. He said clarity on NDA and UPA partners, as well as BJP–AGP seat distribution, would emerge only by February.

Sarma stressed that public response on the ground matters more than surveys and indicated the Bharatiya Janata Party could contest up to 103 seats after delimitation, with new candidates likely in newly added constituencies. The survey projected the BJP-led NDA near 90 seats, with the Indian National Congress close behind in vote share.