Assam Polls 2026: Digital War Intensifies as Clashes Reported in Sivasagar and Mariani Hours Before Voting
Online Propaganda, Fake News, and Political Allegations Dominate Campaign’s Final Hours Across the State
GUWAHATI: With just a few hours left before Assam heads to the polls for the Assembly Elections 2026, the political atmosphere across the state has reached a boiling point. All major national and regional parties are in full battle mode, not only on the ground but also across digital platforms, as the election campaign enters its final and most aggressive phase.
In what appears to be one of the most intense election seasons in recent years, Assam is witnessing a new form of political confrontation—where social media warfare, artificial intelligence-driven content, and online propaganda have become as influential as traditional door-to-door campaigns, rallies, and public meetings.
While the Election Commission continues to urge citizens to maintain peace and uphold democratic values, reports of clashes, online misinformation, and political mudslinging have surfaced from multiple districts, raising concerns over the growing toxicity in Assam’s electoral environment.
### Clashes Reported in Key Constituencies
On Thursday, just hours before voting, reports of violent clashes emerged from two politically significant constituencies—**Sivasagar** and **Mariani**—both considered highly sensitive and crucial in shaping the election outcome.
Raijor Dal president and prominent leader **Akhil Gogoi** took to Facebook to report an alleged confrontation between workers of Raijor Dal and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In his post, Gogoi claimed that senior leaders and party supporters were “brutally attacked” by BJP members.
The allegations sparked immediate attention, as Sivasagar remains a key political hotspot where regional forces and national parties are locked in a fierce contest.
Similarly, in **Mariani**, Raijor Dal candidate **Gyanashree Bora** also posted on Facebook, claiming that party workers were assaulted in another incident. According to her statement, Raijor Dal supporters were allegedly beaten by BJP workers, further escalating tensions in the constituency.
Though detailed verification and official confirmations are awaited, the back-to-back allegations from two constituencies have added a serious dimension to the already volatile election environment.
### Online Allegations and Political Attacks Escalate
The political climate has also been significantly shaped by allegations and counter-allegations being exchanged on social media platforms. With campaigns reaching their peak, political parties appear to be using every available digital tool to influence public perception.
At the centre of the current political controversy is Congress leader **Pawan Khera**, who has been actively targeting Assam Chief Minister **Himanta Biswa Sarma** by raising allegations involving his wife, **Riniki Bhuyan Sarma**. Khera has reportedly made claims about multiple passports and properties allegedly linked to her in foreign countries including the **United States and the UAE**, triggering strong reactions from BJP supporters.
The issue has sparked heated debates online, with rival groups amplifying their narratives through posts, videos, and viral content.
### Congress Candidate Raises Illegal Voter Issue
Meanwhile, the Congress candidate from Dispur, **Mira Borthakur Goswami**, also created political ripples after she posted a Facebook video alleging the presence of illegal voters in the constituency. The video quickly gained traction online and was widely covered by local media, further fuelling political tensions.
The issue of illegal voters remains one of the most politically sensitive topics in Assam, frequently used as an electoral weapon by multiple parties. With voting imminent, such claims have once again brought the debate to the forefront, adding another layer of controversy to the election narrative.
### “Dirty Politics” Allegations Trigger Public Outrage
As political tensions intensify, many citizens across Assam have expressed concern over what they describe as “dirty politics” dominating the election atmosphere. Public discussions, especially on social media, reflect growing frustration over personal attacks, misinformation, and allegations replacing developmental debates and governance-focused campaigning.
Adding to the controversy, opposition parties have claimed that illegal election-related activities are allegedly being run by the BJP from “Room No. 501,” a claim that has circulated widely in political circles and online discussions. While no official evidence has been presented publicly, the allegation has added fuel to the already aggressive campaign environment.
On the other hand, the BJP has accused the Congress and its supporters of spreading misinformation and using edited photos to defame Riniki Bhuyan Sarma by linking her to properties abroad. The party claims that a deliberate attempt is being made to malign the Chief Minister’s family in order to gain political advantage.
### Election 2026: A Battle on Streets and Screens
The Assam Assembly Elections 2026 have emerged as a landmark contest not only because of the high political stakes, but also due to the changing nature of campaigning. This election has clearly demonstrated how the battleground has expanded beyond rallies and public meetings into the digital world—where narratives are being shaped instantly through Facebook posts, WhatsApp forwards, YouTube channels, and politically aligned news portals.
Observers note that the rise of AI-generated content, edited visuals, misleading claims, and coordinated social media campaigns has intensified the political environment, making it difficult for ordinary voters to distinguish between truth and manipulation.
The growing use of fake news networks, anonymous pages, and politically sponsored digital propaganda is now being viewed as a serious threat to democratic discourse in the state.
### Fear of Worse Political Climate in Future Elections
Many citizens and analysts have expressed concern that if such trends are not controlled, the situation could worsen in future elections. With misinformation spreading at unprecedented speed, the possibility of public unrest and polarization remains high.
Political experts warn that unless strict action is taken against digital misinformation and election-related violence, elections in Assam could become increasingly hostile in the coming years.
### All Eyes on People’s Verdict
As the campaign reaches its final hours, Assam now stands at a critical moment where voters will decide the direction of the state’s future. While political parties continue their aggressive push both offline and online, the final outcome will depend on the electorate’s judgment.
With clashes reported, allegations dominating headlines, and digital warfare intensifying every hour, the Assam Assembly Elections 2026 have become one of the most fiercely contested political battles in the state’s history.
Now, as Assam prepares to vote, all eyes are on the people—whose decision will ultimately determine who wins, who loses, and who will form the next government in Dispur.
