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By:

Akhilesh Sinha

25 June 2025 at 2:53:54 pm

Between illegal migration and the promise of development

New Delhi: Assam's 2026 election reflects a fierce contest over identity, illegal migration, and development, where youth sentiment, tribal rights, border anxieties, and welfare politics converge to redefine the state's-and Northeast India's-political future.   Over the past decade, Assam's politics has undergone a transformation of remarkable intensity. This shift is not merely a story of power struggles or the thrill of electoral victories and defeats; rather, it reflects a deeper internal...

Between illegal migration and the promise of development

New Delhi: Assam's 2026 election reflects a fierce contest over identity, illegal migration, and development, where youth sentiment, tribal rights, border anxieties, and welfare politics converge to redefine the state's-and Northeast India's-political future.   Over the past decade, Assam's politics has undergone a transformation of remarkable intensity. This shift is not merely a story of power struggles or the thrill of electoral victories and defeats; rather, it reflects a deeper internal conflict within the state, one caught at the intersection of identity, demography, land, and development. What emerges is a portrait of a society negotiating competing anxieties and aspirations, where political change mirrors a broader search for equilibrium. Congress seeks to craft a broader social coalition built around the "shared concerns" of tribal.   In the current electoral landscape, an unexpected emotional issue has also surfaced, the reported death of popular singer Jubin Garg. This development has triggered a strong reaction, particularly among young people. The surge of sentiment on social media, marked by calls for justice and visible public outrage, suggests that if this issue sustains its presence in the campaign discourse, it could significantly influence youth voting behavior.   Another crucial dimension of identity politics is the demand to grant Scheduled Tribe status to six indigenous communities. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had made this promise in the previous election, but it remains unfulfilled. The opposition has framed this as a case of electoral betrayal, while the BJP has cited administrative and constitutional complexities as the reason for the delay. The issue continues to carry both symbolic and electoral weight.   Political Narratives This election is not merely about the arithmetic of seats; it is equally about the reconfiguration of alliances and the reconstruction of political narratives. The Congress has distanced itself from the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) and formed a new platform, the "Assam Sonmilito Morcha," which includes regional players such as the Assam Jatiya Parishad. In the previous election, the alliance with AIUDF helped Congress consolidate Muslim votes, but it also enabled the BJP to polarize Hindu voters more effectively. This time, Congress appears to be attempting to move beyond that image, seeking to craft a broader social coalition built around the "shared concerns" of tribal, Assamese, and other communities.   On the other hand, the BJP's strategy also reflects notable recalibration. Its cautious approach to seat-sharing with the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and its focused attention on 15 seats in the Bodoland Territorial Region illustrate this shift. In this region, the BJP has allied with the Bodoland People's Front (BPF), with BPF contesting 11 seats and the BJP 4. In the previous election, BPF had aligned with Congress; however, its resurgence in the Bodoland Territorial Council elections has altered the political equations. This shift is significant, as the Bodoland Territorial Region remains central to Assam's evolving geopolitical balance, making it a decisive arena in the state's new political calculus.   Central Issue In this election, the question of "illegal immigrants" has once again emerged as a central and polarising issue. In Assam, concerns around undocumented migration, particularly involving those alleged to have entered from Bangladesh, have long shaped political discourse. Recent statements by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma referring to "Miya Muslims," along with large-scale eviction drives targeting what the government describes as illegal encroachments, have further intensified the debate. The state claims to have cleared thousands of acres of government land, framing these actions as necessary for restoring law, order, and enabling development.   The opposition, however, views these measures through a different lens, arguing that they deepen social divisions and disproportionately target specific communities. At the same time, proponents within the state's ruling establishment contend that without addressing illegal land occupation and demographic imbalances, "balanced development" remains unattainable. This assertion is being challenged by the Congress and other opposition parties, who invoke constitutional protections and the need for social harmony.   The impact of eviction and "de-bonding" drives has been particularly visible in sensitive border belts, often referred to as the "Chicken Neck" villages. In these fragile frontier regions, communities such as small farmers, tea garden workers, and borderland populations find themselves in a state of uncertainty, grappling with questions of security and identity. Here, electoral politics is often caught between two competing narratives: resistance to illegal immigration and the urgent demand for local livelihoods.   Direct Inducement On the development front, the ruling BJP is foregrounding its governance record, with the Orunodoi (Arunodoy) scheme as a centerpiece. Just ahead of the elections, under its third phase, direct financial assistance of Rs 9,000 was transferred to nearly four million women beneficiaries, amounting to an outlay of approximately Rs 3,600 crore. Beyond its welfare dimension, the scheme is also widely seen as a calibrated political strategy aimed at consolidating women voters, a demographic that is nearly equal in size to male voters in Assam and, in several regions, exhibits higher turnout rates.   The opposition has sharply criticised the scheme, describing it as a form of "direct electoral inducement." In its "People's Chargesheet," the Congress has leveled serious allegations against the government, including corruption, the prevalence of a "syndicate raj," the transfer of land to corporate interests, and misuse of administrative machinery. According to opposition claims, a structured network influences the allocation of contracts and resources, adversely affecting small businesses, tea garden workers, and ordinary citizens. Alongside these concerns, broader issues such as unemployment, inflation, and growing social discontent have also become integral to the electoral narrative.   While the BJP highlights its administrative assertiveness, such as crackdowns on child marriage and measures aimed at curbing polygamy, as key achievements, the opposition dismisses these as selective interventions, arguing that they divert attention from deeper economic challenges.   Ultimately, the Assam Assembly election of 2026 is not merely about a change in power; it represents a critical inflection point in the state's political trajectory. On one side, the BJP is seeking to legitimize its governance model by linking the issue of illegal immigration with development, security, and stability. On the other, the Congress is attempting to position itself as a viable alternative, emphasizing social balance, institutional politics, and renewed leadership.   For voters, the choice is stark: whether to endorse the promise of stability and continuity, or to pivot toward change. The results on May 4 will not only shape Assam's future but are also likely to influence the broader political direction of Northeast India.

Squash gains momentum as global spotlight

Abhay Singh and Anahat Singh
Abhay Singh and Anahat Singh

Mumbai: As squash prepares to make its long-awaited debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, India’s position on the global map of the sport received a significant boost with the successful staging of the JSW Indian Open 2026 in Mumbai. The tournament, held on the Professional Squash Association World Tour circuit, not only showcased elite talent but also underlined the growing importance of corporate partnerships in nurturing emerging sports.


Adding to the event’s stature, K Raheja Corp Homes joined as the Official Partner, marking its first foray into sports sponsorship. The association reflects a broader trend of non-endemic brands recognising the potential of niche yet globally governed sports like squash, especially at a time when Olympic inclusion has dramatically elevated its profile.


The JSW Indian Open, classified as a PSA Copper-level event, holds substantial competitive significance. It offers crucial ranking points that directly influence global standings, seeding positions and qualification pathways for marquee events, including the 2028 Olympics. For Indian players, such tournaments provide rare home-ground exposure against international competitors, bridging a critical gap in high-performance experience.


Speaking on the association, a spokesperson for K Raheja Corp Homes said, “The JSW Indian Open is a high-calibre platform that reflects the kind of performance, discipline and global competitiveness we strongly identify with. Our association is a natural extension of our commitment to aligning with credible, international-standard ecosystems that are shaping India’s presence on the global stage.”


Echoing the importance of corporate backing, Karan Yadav, Chief Commercial Officer at JSW Sports, emphasised the role of partnerships in scaling such events. “Partnerships play a crucial role in shaping events like the JSW Indian Open and we are pleased to have K Raheja Corp Homes come on board this year. As their first association with sport, it reflects a considered and forward-looking approach towards supporting emerging platforms like squash. Their partnership has helped us further strengthen the overall tournament experience for both Indian and international players,” he said.


On the court, the tournament delivered high-intensity action, with Abhay Singh and Anahat Singh clinching the men’s and women’s titles respectively. Their victories underline the steady rise of Indian squash talent, which has been gaining traction on the global stage but still requires consistent exposure to top-tier competition.


Beyond the winners, the tournament served as a vital competitive platform for players to accumulate ranking points and enhance their global standings. With squash now firmly on the Olympic roadmap, such events are no longer peripheral, they are central to an athlete’s progression and international relevance.


The significance of the JSW Indian Open also lies in its role as a catalyst for ecosystem development. India, traditionally overshadowed by squash strongholds like Egypt and England, is increasingly emerging as a viable host for global events. This shift is being driven by improved infrastructure, professional tournament management and rising audience engagement.


Corporate participation, as demonstrated by K Raheja Corp Homes, is a critical piece of this puzzle. The partnership signals a strategic pivot in brand engagement—from conventional advertising to purpose-led platforms that intersect sport, lifestyle and aspiration. By aligning with a globally recognised sporting event, the company extends its brand narrative into a domain defined by excellence and international competitiveness.


As India deepens its integration with global sporting circuits, platforms like the JSW Indian Open are becoming indispensable. They not only provide athletes with the competitive exposure required at the highest level but also help build a sustainable sporting culture backed by institutional and corporate support.


With squash set to enter the Olympic arena, the need for such high-quality tournaments in India has never been greater. The success of the JSW Indian Open 2026 demonstrates that the country is not just participating in the global squash movement—but is poised to play a defining role in its future trajectory.

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