For a long time, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam was often dismissed, sometimes even derisively, as a “Marwari party” – a political entity whose support base was perceived to be largely confined to the Hindi-speaking business community and a section of upper-caste Hindus, primarily in urban centers. Its electoral footprint was minimal, overshadowed by the decades-long dominance of the Indian National Congress and the rise and fall of regional strongmen. Yet, in a remarkable political metamorphosis, the BJP has not only shed this narrow image but has systematically constructed an unparalleled electoral force, culminating in its maiden victory in 2016 and subsequent consolidation of power in Assam. The multi-faceted strategies of a cash-infused party and a strong grass-root cadre base allowed the party to broaden its appeal and become an inclusive political powerhouse in the state.
Breaking the ‘Marwari’ Stereotype: Early Seeds of Expansion
The perception of the BJP as a “Marwari party” stemmed from BJP’s historical association with conservative business interests and its limited reach beyond certain urban pockets. However, even in its nascent stages, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent of the BJP, had been quietly working at the grassroots in Assam for decades. This patient groundwork, often through social and cultural initiatives rather than overt political campaigning, laid the initial foundation for future expansion. They engaged with various communities, gradually building a network of dedicated cadres.
The BJP recognized that to grow beyond its traditional base, it needed to connect with the diverse ethno-linguistic fabric of Assam. This meant addressing issues that resonated with the broader Assamese society, particularly those concerning identity, land, and the anxieties over demographic changes.
Capitalizing on Anti-Incumbency and the Dearth of Regional Leadership
By the mid-2010s, Assam was ripe for change. The Congress, under the long tenure of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, faced significant anti-incumbency. Perceptions of corruption and a lack of decisive action on core Assamese issues, particularly that of illegal immigration from Bangladesh, had alienated large sections of the populace. Crucially, the major regional party, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), which had once embodied Assamese aspirations during the Assam Agitation, had experienced a fast and significant decline. Plagued by mass-scale corruption, internal bickering, a perceived lack of strong leadership, and an inability to offer a compelling alternative, the AGP had lost much of its former glory and public trust during its various stints in power. This created a profound political vacuum and a dearth of credible regional alternatives that the BJP deftly exploited. Voters, disillusioned with both the national incumbent and the fading regional force, were actively seeking a new direction.
The Masterstroke: Himanta Biswa Sarma and Strategic Alliances
The turning point in the BJP’s journey in Assam was arguably the defection of Himanta Biswa Sarma from the Congress in 2015. A political strategist par excellence with an unmatched understanding of Assam’s intricate political landscape, Sarma brought with him not only a significant chunk of Congress’s cadre but also a blueprint for victory. He became the chief architect of the BJP’s expansion, meticulously building alliances and orchestrating electoral campaigns.
Sarma, under the guidance of the central BJP leadership and particularly Amit Shah, spearheaded the formation of the North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) in 2016. In Assam, this translated into crucial alliances with regional parties like the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF). This move was a game-changer:
- Broadening Social Coalition: The alliances allowed the BJP to shed its “outsider” image and present itself as a party aligned with the “sons of the soil.” It brought diverse ethnic groups under a common umbrella, creating a broad social coalition that cut across traditional vote banks.
- Regional Credibility: Partnering with established regional parties, even a declining one like the AGP, lent the BJP significant local credibility and organizational strength, especially in areas where its own network was still nascent.
- Co-opting Local Narratives: The BJP skillfully appropriated and championed regional issues that had long been central to Assamese identity politics, particularly the anxieties surrounding illegal immigration and the protection of “Jati, Mati, Bheti” (community, land, and hearth).
The Face of Change: Sarbananda Sonowal and the Infiltration Narrative
The BJP also strategically projected Sarbananda Sonowal as its Chief Ministerial candidate in 2016. Sonowal, a former AASU (All Assam Students’ Union) leader with a strong regionalist background and an image of integrity, was the perfect choice to counter the “Marwari party” tag. He was seen as an indigenous leader committed to protecting Assamese interests.
The narrative of making Assam “infiltrator-free” became a powerful rallying cry. The BJP’s strong stance on the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and later, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), while controversial, allowed it to consolidate Hindu votes, including those of indigenous communities and the numerically significant Tea Tribes who had historically been a Congress stronghold. The party deftly navigated the complexities of these issues, portraying itself as the protector of indigenous rights and the cultural identity of Assam.
Targeted Outreach and Development Agenda
Beyond political alliances and identity politics, the BJP invested heavily in a development-centric agenda:
- Infrastructure Push: The focus on improving connectivity – roads, bridges (like the Dhola-Sadiya bridge), railways, and airports – resonated with a populace that had long felt neglected. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Act East Policy” positioned the Northeast as a gateway to Southeast Asia, promising economic opportunities.
- Welfare Schemes: The implementation of central government schemes, alongside state-specific initiatives, aimed to directly benefit various communities. Programmes for Tea Tribes, farmers, and women, for instance, helped expand the BJP’s reach beyond traditional vote bases.
- Grassroots Mobilization (RSS Backing): The RSS network significantly amplified the BJP’s reach. Through its various wings, the Sangh Parivar engaged in extensive grassroots mobilization, conducting meetings, distributing literature, and establishing social and educational institutions. This sustained engagement helped allay fears and build support, particularly among communities previously unfamiliar with the BJP’s ideology.
Navigating Challenges and Consolidating Power
The BJP’s journey in Assam hasn’t been without its share of controversies, particularly surrounding the CAA. While it helped consolidate Hindu votes, it also led to significant protests from Assamese linguistic nationalists. The party, however, managed to weather these storms by emphasizing the “protection of indigenous communities” alongside the promise of citizenship for persecuted minorities.
Under the leadership of Himanta Biswa Sarma as Chief Minister (since 2021) and the continuous advocacy of leaders like Kiren Rijiju at the Union level, the BJP has continued to expand its base. It has meticulously worked to bring more ethnic groups into its fold, including those from the Brahmaputra and Barak valleys, showcasing a sophisticated understanding of Assam’s diverse electoral arithmetic.
From its perceived niche as a “Marwari party,” the BJP’s transformation in Assam is a textbook case of how a national party can achieve electoral dominance by skillfully integrating regional aspirations, leveraging strong local leadership, and implementing a development-oriented agenda, thereby building a truly inclusive electoral force. The saffron flag now flies high over Assam, a testament to a strategic shift that embraced the state’s complexities rather than merely imposing a pre-defined ideology.
