Breaking the Pro Muslim Tag Assam Congress Pivots to Cultural Identity Post Delimitation
Rohan Editor 
As the 2026 Assembly elections draw near, the Assam unit of the Congress party is undergoing a radical “image makeover” to shed its long-standing “pro-Muslim” label. This strategic shift follows the controversial 2023 delimitation exercise, which altered the demographic balance of several constituencies, making it mathematically difficult for any party to win by relying solely on the minority vote. To counter the BJP’s narrative, the Congress is pivoting toward a “Jatiya” (nationalist/ethnic) identity, emphasizing the protection of indigenous rights, Assamese language, and the unique heritage of the state’s diverse tribal communities.
The rebranding effort involves fielding more “son of the soil” candidates in Upper Assam and adopting a campaign discourse that focuses on land rights and local employment rather than religious identity. Party insiders suggest that this “soft-ethnic” approach is a calculated move to win back the Khilonjia (indigenous) voters who had drifted toward regional parties or the BJP. By positioning itself as the true guardian of the “Assamese sub-nationalism” and distancing itself from its previous alliance with the AIUDF, the Congress hopes to present a more inclusive, centrist alternative that can challenge the ruling coalition’s dominance in the post-delimitation political landscape.
About The Author
