Assam assembly election 2016: Much is at stake for BJP, Congress

With the announcement of poll dates in four states and a union territory, BJP and Congress both have tightened their muscles as much is at stake for the both the parties in Assam assembly elections 2016.

BJP is eyeing to come out of the jolt after back-to-back defeats in Delhi and Bihar while Congress party will try to come out the 2014 Lok Sabha debacle.

BJP tested a victory in Assam civic polls last year where it won 340 of 746 municipal board and town committee wards in the state.

With an aim to cross the magic figure and expand its footprint in Assam, BJP has formed an alliance with the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), a strong regional party. AGP had been a former ally of the Congress - Bodoland People`s Front - and dissident Congress leaders.

This is the fourth time since the 2001 assembly elections that the BJP and AGP have forged an alliance. The two parties had earlier joined hands in the 2004 and 2009 Lok Sabha elections.

However, the alliance between the BJP and AGP has set off protests in various districts, with some local leaders on either side threatening to float new groups to contest the elections. If so it may become a setback for BJP which is trying dispel the perception that Modi wave is not yet over.

Congress which got breather after Bihar election, also trying not only to regain Assam and Kerala but will also try to make it presence felt in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.

BJP is relying on its state election campaign committee chief Himanta Biswa Sarma, who served as health minister from 2006-2014 and credited to have orchestrated the astounding victory for Congress in 2011 assembly polls.

Sarma spearheaded the Congress campaign and won 78 out of 126 seats for the Congress party.
It will be revealed on May 19 when counting of votes will be carried out whether the BJP will succeed in repeating or improving its 2014, 2015 performances or not.