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Assam Congress Plans to Contest Over 100 Seats in Upcoming Assembly Elections

In a recent rally, Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi announced the party's intention to contest more than 100 seats in the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections. He firmly stated that there would be no alliance with the AIUDF and expressed confidence in the party's ability to increase its seat count. Gogoi also criticized Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's claims about Congress's electoral prospects and highlighted ongoing discussions with potential allies. The Congress aims to unite opposition parties and is committed to shaping a new Assam. This rally marks a significant step in the party's preparations for the elections.
 

Congress's Ambitious Plans for 2026 Elections


Tezpur, Dec 28: Gaurav Gogoi, the president of the Assam Congress, declared on Sunday that the party intends to compete for more than 100 seats in the forthcoming Assam Assembly elections. He emphasized that there is a "zero per cent chance" of forming an alliance with the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF).


During a rally in Sonitpur district, commemorating the 140th Foundation Day of the Indian National Congress, Gogoi mentioned that the party's seat count might even rise by two to three seats, while the remaining 26 seats would be allocated to other opposition parties.


Gogoi stated, "Congress will contest from over 100 seats. The remaining seats will go to other opposition parties. There is zero per cent chance of any coalition with AIUDF," reiterating the party's commitment to creating a "new Assam".


He also noted that discussions with potential allies are ongoing, and the public will be informed once the final seat-sharing arrangements are finalized.


The president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) mentioned that constructive dialogues have already occurred among opposition allies, including Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi.


Gogoi expressed confidence that opposition parties would unite and collaborate in the upcoming elections, adding that party members have pledged to strengthen Congress at all levels.


His comments followed a statement from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who claimed at a public event in Rangapara last month that Congress would only contest 22 Assembly seats in the 2026 elections.


Sarma specified constituencies such as Srijangram, Baghbar, Mandia, Samaria, and Dalgaon, alleging these would be the only seats contested by the Congress alliance.


In a separate statement earlier this month, the Chief Minister projected that the BJP and its allies would contest 103 seats, anticipating a significant victory for the ruling coalition.


In response, Gogoi accused Sarma of making "baseless and communal statements" to distract the public from unresolved issues, including the ongoing trial involving Assamese icon Zubeen Garg.


Referring to Sarma's comments linking him to Pakistan, Gogoi asserted, "The Chief Minister is making baseless and communal statements. He believes his duty is complete after submitting the charge sheet. That is why he no longer discusses Zubeen da and instead raises the Pakistan issue. If we investigate the Garg matter further, everything will come to light," he stated.


Gogoi also questioned the selective nature of the investigations, stating, "Not all accused have been named. Those who were on the yacht or in Singapore have not been fully identified. Why are those closely associated with the Chief Minister receiving clean chits? This raises suspicion among the public."


He confidently declared that Congress would form the next government in Assam, stating that the party is ready to lead a united opposition. "We aim to create a new Assam and will implement several initiatives for the state once we are in power," he concluded.


The rally, led by Gogoi, commenced at Rajiv Bhavan in Tezpur, traversed a 6-km route, and concluded at Jayamati Field.