TMC to Contest 51 Seats Solo in Assam Elections 2026, Sushmita Dev Says Party Will Avoid Splitting Anti-BJP Votes

The All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) has announced a bold strategy for the upcoming Assam Assembly Elections 2026, deciding to contest 51 seats independently. The announcement was made by party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev, who confirmed that the party will not enter into any alliance.

TMC Chooses Solo Path in Assam

Addressing a press conference in Guwahati, Dev said the party is ready to take on the electoral battle alone, even as it continues to focus on defeating the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

She said, “There is a growing demand for a strong alternative beyond the BJP and the existing opposition. We believe TMC can offer that option.”

Dev also expressed disappointment over not being included in the Congress-led opposition alliance, despite claiming that TMC has built a significant presence in the state.

Strategy: Avoid Splitting Anti-BJP Votes

Even while going solo, TMC clarified that it will act strategically. Dev said the party would avoid contesting seats where candidates from the opposition alliance are already strong contenders.

“Our aim is to defeat the BJP, not weaken the opposition,” she said, indicating a calculated approach to protect anti-BJP votes.

Targets Modi-Shah Visits Before Poll Announcement

Dev launched a sharp attack on the BJP leadership, questioning the timing of visits by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Assam just before the election dates were announced by the Election Commission of India.

She pointed out that Modi visited the state on March 13 and 14, inaugurating major infrastructure projects, followed by Shah’s visit on March 15 for party meetings and a youth event.

“Such back-to-back high-profile visits just before the poll schedule raise serious questions,” Dev said, alleging that these events blurred the line between governance and campaigning.

Attack on CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

Dev also criticised Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing him of making statements that could disturb peace in the state.

She urged all political parties to maintain restraint and focus on development issues as elections approach.

Zubeen Kshetra Project Delay Raises Questions

TMC leaders also raised concerns over the delay in starting construction of the proposed Zubeen Kshetra, linked to late cultural icon Zubeen Garg.

Senior leader Dulu Ahmed said no visible progress has been made even months after the announcement. He warned that the party would launch peaceful protests if construction does not begin after the new government is formed.

Electricity Tariff Hike Criticised

The party also attacked the BJP-led government over rising electricity costs. TMC leader Abhijit Mazumdar alleged that power is being procured at lower rates but consumers are being charged more.

He demanded that at least 100 units of electricity be provided free to households, making it a key issue ahead of the elections.

High-Stakes Battle Ahead

With the campaign season heating up, TMC’s decision to go solo adds a new dimension to Assam’s political contest. While the BJP remains the main target, the absence of a united opposition could make the electoral battle more complex and unpredictable.