The upcoming Assam Assembly elections are set to be a neck-to-neck competition between the NDA and UPA with an edge to BJP-led alliance, according to a survey by Times Now and C-voter.
Despite the fierce fight, the survey projects, the incumbent NDA will emerge as winner. It also projects a substantial rise in UPA's vote share, thus making the battle harder for the ruling party in Assam.
In the 126-seat assembly, the NDA will likely bag 67 assembly seats, UPA will up their mark to 57 and Others will likely get two seats, the poll said. In 2016, the NDA had managed 74 seats and UPA had 39.
The Opposition in the state, led by Congress, has mobilised large support following the state-wide protests after the Centre introduced the controversial law, CAA, and also formulation of the National Register of Citizens.
Assamese parties now remain divided on these two issues. While BJP and Asom Gana Parishad (or the AGP) remain in an alliance, Congress along with the other "anti-CAA" parties such as All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), Bodo People’s Front and three Left entities are set to go to the polls.
As for the CM candidate, BJP's Sarbananda Sonowal, the current chief minister, is favoured by the people, followed by Congress's Gaurav Gogoi. According to the poll, 42.29 per cent of the surveyed vouched for NDA to return to power and 40.7 per cent favoured UPA.
Among the issues raised by the respondents, rising prices and unemployment are key concerns.