A last-minute alliance between the incumbent AGP and the aspiring BJPin Assam could not save the situation. Going by the mood of voters, the AGP-BJP allianceis likely to win in 27-32 constituencies with a vote share of 37.1 per cent. The Congressseems to be comfortably placed to form the next government in the state. In fact, theparty is likely to register its best performance since 1985, winning 75-80 seats andpolling 41.1 pe rcent of the popular vote. That is a gain of 41-46 seats in comparison toits tally in the 1996 Assembly elections.