AIUDF's Future in Assam: Can it Mobilize Bengali-Speaking Muslims and Defend its Turf?

• AIUDF faces a critical challenge in the upcoming Assam Assembly elections after a significant setback in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
• Badruddin Ajmal's defeat in Dhubri by over a million votes signals a potential shift of its traditional support base towards the Congress.
• The party's rise in 2005 was linked to the repeal of the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) Act, aiming to represent Bengali-speaking Muslims.
• Historically, AIUDF dented Congress's minority vote share, but recent trends show Bengali-speaking Muslims returning to Congress.
• A poor showing in the Assembly elections could severely weaken AIUDF, potentially strengthening Congress's position in Assam.