Assam Phase 2: Acid test for Cong

The second and final phase of assembly polls in Assam, to be held on Monday, is being touted as a litmus test for the ruling Congress-at least in 22 of the 64 constituencies dominated by the migrant Muslim population. Rahul Karmakar reports.

The second and final phase of assembly polls in Assam, to be held on Monday, is being touted as a litmus test for the ruling Congress-at least in 22 of the 64 constituencies dominated by the migrant Muslim population.

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The polls will also decide if the pro-minority All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), which won 10 seats in its maiden elections in the Congress stronghold of lower Assam five years ago, was a one-election wonder.

Everyone’s wondering if the party will manage to erode the Congress’s Muslim vote bank.

“We’re not a spent force, as some people are saying,” AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal said. “We will win more seats this time and emerge a key player in forming the government.”

Assam has a total 126 assembly constituencies, of which 62 voted on April 4. The remaining 64 constituencies are spread across 14 districts. Muslims are a majority in six of the districts, thus dictating terms in 22 seats.

They are also a factor in another 20 seats, while the Bodo tribals control 12 seats in four districts straddling the Bodoland Territorial Council.