Assam Assembly Election: Aminul Islam, close to Badruddin, changed sides, left AIUDF and joined Congress.

News India Live, Digital Desk: Just before the Assam Assembly elections 2026, a major upheaval has been seen in the politics of the state. All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) senior leader and Mankachar MLA Aminul Islam has officially joined the Congress. This step of Islam, who once held the status of ‘number two’ after Maulana Badruddin Ajmal in AIUDF, is being considered a big blow for the party. Expulsion from AIUDF and entry into Congress. Aminul Islam was expelled from AIUDF for 6 years in March last month on charges of anti-party activities. The order issued by party general secretary Hafiz Bashir Ahmed described his statements as controversial and against the interests of the party. After his eviction, there were speculations that he may join the Assam Gana Parishad (AGP), but on Wednesday he decided to join hands in the presence of senior Congress leader Jitendra Singh. Chances of a triangular contest on the Mankachar seat. Aminul Islam is the sitting MLA from the Mankachar assembly seat. With his joining Congress, the equations on this seat have completely changed. Now this region may see a tough and triangular contest between Congress, AIUDF and BJP-backed alliance (AGP). Congress hopes that the arrival of Islam will further strengthen their hold in minority dominated areas. Assam Elections 2026: What is the complete schedule? The struggle for power is intense on all the 126 assembly seats of Assam. As per the schedule announced by the Election Commission: Polling date: April 9, 2026 (in a single phase) Results day: May 4, 2026 The main contest in the state is between the NDA alliance led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the Congress-led alliance. While BJP is trying to retain power for the third time, Congress is looking for a way to make a comeback by bringing together big faces.