Guwahati, March 23: Sushmita Dev on Sunday, March 22, announced that the All India Trinamool Congress will contest 23 seats in the upcoming Assam Assembly elections under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee, with a focus on broad-based representation across regions and communities.
Addressing reporters, Dev said the party has fielded candidates from across Assam, including Barak Valley, Upper Assam, Lower Assam, Middle Assam, and the Bodoland region, aiming to reflect the state’s social diversity. She said tickets have been distributed among candidates from different castes, communities, and linguistic backgrounds to underline the party’s inclusive approach.
Dev acknowledged that the party is unlikely to secure a majority on its own but emphasised its intent to play a meaningful role by focusing on key public issues. She outlined concerns such as smart meters, erosion, rising electricity costs, and the need for industrial development in Barak Valley as part of the party’s agenda.
She added that the party’s performance would not be measured solely by seat count but by its ability to effectively raise and address these issues. Regardless of the number of MLAs elected, Dev said these priorities would form the party’s common minimum programme, with an emphasis on grassroots engagement rather than leadership positions.
On electoral prospects, she expressed cautious optimism, stating that the party has strong candidates in around 10 to 15 constituencies, while noting that electoral outcomes remain unpredictable.
Polling for all 126 Assembly constituencies in Assam is scheduled for April 9, with counting of votes to be held on May 4, as per the Election Commission of India.
