AJP Announces Candidates Amid Concerns Over Election Campaign Duration

The Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) has unveiled its candidates for eight Assembly constituencies ahead of the upcoming elections. The party has raised concerns about the limited campaign duration set by the Election Commission, which they believe hampers effective outreach. AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi emphasized the need for a longer campaign period to ensure fair political engagement. The party is also in discussions with Congress and Raijor Dal regarding seat-sharing to consolidate opposition votes against the BJP. As the election date approaches, the AJP is focused on maximizing its impact despite the tight schedule.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 17, 2026, 17:31 IST

AJP Reveals Candidates for Upcoming Assam Elections

Guwahati, March 17: The Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) has put forth its candidates for eight Assembly constituencies in anticipation of the forthcoming elections in Assam. The party has voiced its discontent regarding the Election Commission's timeline, arguing that it restricts the campaign duration significantly before the polls scheduled for April 9.

During a press briefing in Guwahati, AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi announced that the party has finalized candidates for ten constituencies, although the selections for Sadiya and Kamrup Metro are still pending.

“Our Political Affairs Committee and Steering Committee convened yesterday to deliberate on various organizational issues. They recommended that both the party president and general secretary should take an active role in the election campaign. Consequently, we will reassess the candidates for Sadiya before making a final decision,” Gogoi stated.

He confirmed that the announcements for Sadiya and Kamrup Metro would follow further internal discussions.

The party has officially named candidates for eight constituencies: Lurinjyoti Gogoi (Khowang), Rajen Gohain (Barhampur), Bani Das (Morigaon), Pankaj Lochan Goswami (Palasbari), Dilip Barua (Bajali), Jibon Chutiya (Sarupathar), Moina Patro (Dibrugarh), and Rejaul Karim Choudhury (Binnakandi).

The AJP has raised alarms regarding the limited campaign timeframe, indicating that parties will have approximately 13 days, from March 26 to April 7, to connect with voters.

“We are apprehensive about this decision. A brief campaign period hampers political parties, particularly regional ones, from effectively reaching out,” Gogoi remarked.

He pointed out that Assam's Assembly elections are usually conducted in multiple phases across 126 constituencies, yet the current schedule seems overly condensed.

“We believe this decision may be strategically designed to benefit certain interests. Such measures could undermine democratic principles by limiting fair political campaigning,” he added.

Gogoi also mentioned that the tight schedule could hinder leaders' ability to travel across constituencies and organize extensive campaigns.

In the meantime, discussions are ongoing among opposition parties to prevent vote splitting. Gogoi disclosed that Raijor Dal has been negotiating with Congress regarding seat-sharing arrangements.

“We have engaged in talks with Congress and have currently finalized ten seats. Negotiations for two additional seats are in progress, and we are also discussing friendly contests in several constituencies. Our main goal is to defeat the BJP, and we are prepared to make certain compromises to achieve that,” he stated.

He further urged Congress to reconsider some constituencies where Raijor Dal believes it has strong candidates.