Assam Polls: BJP's Dual Deputy CM Gambit to Counter Congress Resurgence

In a strategic move to retain power in the 2026 Assam Assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is contemplating appointing two Deputy Chief Ministers under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. This bold gamble, reportedly backed by the party's ideological parent RSS, aims to fragment the traditional Congress vote bank and consolidate the BJP's position in the state.
Sources within the party reveal that the proposed dual Deputy CM formula is a delicate balancing act, designed to placate two key constituencies: the Tea Tribe (Coolie) community and the Bengali-speaking Hindu community. By elevating leaders from these communities, the BJP hopes to outmaneuver the Congress-AIUDF-Raijor Dal alliance and retain its grip on power.
However, the BJP's strategy comes at a time when the Congress is showing signs of resurgence in Assam. The appointment of Gaurav Gogoi as Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president has galvanized anti-incumbency sentiment, with the party raising key issues like unemployment, administrative stagnation, and corruption allegations.
Experts warn that the BJP's gamble is not without risks. The dual Deputy CM formula might backfire among ethnic Assamese nationalists and tribal voters, who may view it as symbolic tokenism without governance depth. Moreover, the party risks further polarization, especially if seen as promoting identity-based politics.
As the BJP navigates this complex political landscape, it must carefully calibrate its strategy to avoid alienating key constituencies. The party must also demonstrate governance depth and deliver on its promises to retain the trust of the Assamese people.
In a significant development, sources within the party indicate that the RSS is closely monitoring the situation in Assam and has thrown its weight behind the dual Deputy CM formula. The move is seen as a strategic attempt to consolidate the BJP's position in the state and counter the Congress resurgence.
The Assam Assembly elections are scheduled to take place in 2026, and the BJP's dual Deputy CM gambit is likely to have significant implications for the poll outcome. As the political landscape in Assam continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the BJP's strategy will be closely watched by political analysts and pundits across the country.