Uncertainty regarding a potential opposition alliance for the 2026 Assam Assembly elections has intensified, following a cryptic social media post by Akhil Gogoi, leader of Raijor Dal, expressing disappointment over stalled discussions with the Indian National Congress. This remark coincided with Congress and various opposition parties launching plans for joint campaign meetings statewide. Gaurav Gogoi, president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, indicated ongoing discussions with parties such as the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Assam Jatiya Parishad to form a broader opposition coalition, with initial campaign meetings planned primarily across Upper Assam.
Despite no finalized seat-sharing arrangement, Congress has declared candidates for 42 seats and aims for collaborative campaigning before the expected mid-April elections. However, the political landscape grew more complex when Akhil Gogoi aired frustrations during a Facebook live session, highlighting feelings of neglect from Congress after they announced an alliance with other parties without involving Raijor Dal. He expressed disappointment, insisting that the potential for alliance remained, while indicating he awaited further engagement from the Congress.
Media interpretations of Gaurav Gogoi’s actions, particularly his failure to meet with Akhil Gogoi during a nearby trip, suggested a lack of forthcoming discussions between the two factions. With the BJP controlling 64 of the 126 Assembly seats, questions loom about the opposition’s ability to unify against them and whether Raijor Dal will participate in an alliance or opt for independent candidacy in the elections.
