The political scene in Assam is heating up as debates surrounding the implementation of the Assam Accord gain momentum ahead of the 2026 elections. This accord, signed in 1985, was a landmark agreement aimed at addressing the long-standing issue of illegal immigration into Assam, particularly from Bangladesh. However, its implementation has been fraught with challenges and delays, and the topic has now resurfaced as a major issue ahead of the elections.
One of the most contentious aspects of the accord is Clause 6, which promises to safeguard the cultural, social, and linguistic identity of the Assamese people. This clause has become a focal point of discussion among political leaders. Some argue that the government has not done enough to fully implement it, while others claim that efforts to do so have been obstructed by political infighting and bureaucratic red tape.
As the elections approach, parties across the spectrum are leveraging the issue to appeal to voters. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has positioned itself as the party committed to implementing the Assam Accord, particularly Clause 6. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has repeatedly stated that his government is taking all necessary steps to protect the interests of the Assamese people. He has also pointed out that the NRC (National Register of Citizens), which aims to identify illegal immigrants, is part of this broader effort.
Opposition parties, including the Congress and the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), have criticized the BJP’s approach. They accuse the government of using the Assam Accord as a political tool without making any real progress. Congress leaders have claimed that the delay in implementing Clause 6 reflects the government’s lack of genuine concern for the Assamese people. They have also raised questions about the effectiveness of the NRC, alleging that it has caused more harm than good by excluding legitimate citizens from the list while failing to identify actual illegal immigrants.
The AIUDF, which primarily represents the interests of Assam’s Muslim population, has taken a different stance. Party leader Badruddin Ajmal has warned that the Assam Accord, if fully implemented, could lead to widespread disenfranchisement of the state’s Muslim community, many of whom are descendants of migrants who settled in Assam decades ago. Ajmal has called for a more inclusive approach that balances the need to protect Assamese identity with the rights of all citizens, regardless of their religious or ethnic background.
In the midst of these political debates, civil society organizations and student groups have also weighed in. The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), which played a key role in the signing of the Assam Accord, has been particularly vocal in its demand for the full implementation of Clause 6. AASU leaders have organized rallies and protests, accusing both the state and central governments of dragging their feet on this issue. They have also urged voters to hold politicians accountable in the upcoming elections.
Cultural preservation and economic development are intertwined in these debates. Many in Assam fear that the influx of immigrants, particularly from Bangladesh, has not only diluted their cultural identity but also strained the state’s resources. This concern has fueled calls for stricter enforcement of the Assam Accord’s provisions, including the deportation of illegal immigrants and the protection of Assamese cultural heritage. However, critics argue that focusing too much on illegal immigration could distract from other pressing issues, such as unemployment and infrastructure development.
The political landscape in Assam is further complicated by the broader national discourse on citizenship and immigration. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), passed by the central government in 2019, has added another layer of complexity to the Assam Accord’s implementation. While the CAA grants citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from neighboring countries, it has been met with fierce opposition in Assam, where many believe it contradicts the spirit of the Assam Accord by allowing more immigrants to settle in the state.
As the 2026 elections draw nearer, the Assam Accord is likely to remain a hot-button issue. Political leaders will continue to debate its implementation, while voters will scrutinize the promises made by those in power. The outcome of the elections may well hinge on how effectively parties address this long-standing issue, balancing the need to protect Assamese identity with the challenges of governance in a diverse and dynamic state.
