Assam’s political landscape reveals a significant contrast between high voter turnout among women and the precarious political status of women leaders. With over 1.24 crore women voters constituting nearly half of the electorate, women achieved impressive turnout rates of 82.42% in the 2021 Assembly elections and 84.72% in 2016. However, women politicians face systemic exclusion and instability, exemplified by incidents like Nandita Gorlosa, who shifted from the Bharatiya Janata Party to the Indian National Congress after being dropped from the ticket list. Similarly, the Bodoland People’s Front replaced veteran leader Pramila Rani Brahma, despite her desire to contest her final election, illustrating a trend of sidelining experienced female leaders.
The careers of women in Assam politics often begin promisingly but can end abruptly, as seen in the cases of Angoorlata Deka and Ankita Dutta, who have struggled following electoral setbacks. Although there are exceptions, such as Finance Minister Ajanta Neog and former leaders Bijoya Chakravarty and Sushmita Dev, most women in politics experience significant challenges. Madhurima Goswami highlights how political structures often confine women’s participation to token gestures, limiting their influence.
In preparation for the 2026 Assembly elections, the Congress has fielded 14 women candidates, while the BJP has nominated only seven, with other parties showing limited representation. The outcome of past elections underscores this disparity, as only six of 76 women candidates won in 2021, and just eight of 91 were elected in 2016. Observers emphasize that while women are often celebrated for their potential during campaigns, they lack the substantial organizational support required for long-term success. The upcoming elections are poised to reflect an enduring reality: women in Assam’s politics are prominent yet precarious.