Rakibul Hussain does the math for Assam polls, projects 70–80 seats for Congress

Congress MP Rakibul Hussain on February 16 launched a sharp counterattack on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma after the latter predicted that the Congress would be restricted to just 24 seats in the 2026 Assam Assembly elections. 

Addressing a press meet in Nagaon, Hussain dismissed the Chief Minister’s projection and instead forecast a sweeping victory for the Congress, claiming the party would secure between 70 and 80 seats statewide.

Laying out a detailed constituency-wise calculation, Hussain asserted that in Upper Assam alone, the Congress would win 17–18 seats. He projected three seats each in Tinsukia, Dibrugarh and Sivasagar, one in Charaideo, four in Jorhat, a “guaranteed” win in Majuli, and three in Golaghat. In North Assam, he claimed the party would secure around eight seats across Dhemaji, Sissiborgaon, Lakhimpur, Sonitpur, Biswanath and Gohpur.

In the Barak Valley, Hussain said the Congress would win seven of the 13 seats, while in Karbi Anglong it would capture three out of five. For Middle Assam, he estimated three to four seats, and in Kamrup district, including Nalbari, he projected five seats. “This time, the arithmetic will change,” Hussain declared, expressing confidence in a strong electoral comeback.

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The Congress leader further alleged that concerns over the BJP’s electoral prospects have surfaced even within the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Referring to what he described as a communication from the RSS, Hussain claimed it acknowledged that under Sarma’s leadership, the BJP’s political momentum in Assam has deteriorated and may be confined to 30–40 seats in the upcoming polls.

Hussain also dismissed speculation surrounding the possible resignation of Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhupen Kumar Borah, asserting that Borah would not leave the party. He acknowledged that Borah may have grievances but maintained that these would be resolved through dialogue. “Bhupen Borah is needed in the party. Whatever has upset him will be discussed, and we will try to ensure he continues with the Congress,” he said.

Stepping up his attack on the ruling party, Hussain alleged that the BJP is facing a shortage of credible candidates and is attempting to induct leaders from the Congress. He described the BJP’s organisational condition in Upper Assam as “fragile.”

On the issue of rhino poaching, Hussain made serious allegations regarding past incidents in Kaziranga National Park. He claimed that surrendered militants were involved in rhino killings and that the crimes were carried out at the behest of influential individuals. He further alleged that Sarma had opposed the setting up of a dedicated battalion in Kaziranga aimed at curbing rhino poaching.

With less than a year to go before the 2026 Assembly elections, the war of words between the BJP and the Congress appears set to intensify, as both sides trade projections and accusations over the state’s political future.