Assam Congress Unveils Initial Candidate List for 2026 Assembly Elections

The Assam Congress has unveiled its first list of candidates for the 2026 Assembly elections, featuring prominent leaders like Gaurav Gogoi and Debabrata Saikia. With strategic nominations aimed at strengthening their campaign, the party is gearing up for a competitive electoral battle. The announcement also highlights ongoing seat-sharing negotiations with potential allies, setting the stage for a closely watched political contest. As the party prepares for the elections, further candidate lists are expected soon, promising an engaging political landscape in Assam.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 3, 2026, 21:36 IST

Assam Congress Announces Candidates

Guwahati, March 3: The Assam Congress party has officially released its first batch of 42 candidates for the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections. Notably, Gaurav Gogoi, the president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), will contest from Jorhat, while Debabrata Saikia, the Leader of the Opposition, is set to run from Nazira.

This candidate list, approved by the party's Central Election Committee, was announced by K.C. Venugopal, General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee (AICC).

Gogoi's nomination from Jorhat highlights the party's strategy to place him at the forefront of their campaign efforts. As the APCC chief, he is anticipated to lead Congress's outreach across the state in what is expected to be a competitive election.

Saikia, a veteran legislator and a key figure in the Assembly, aims for re-election from Nazira. The list also features senior leader Ripun Bora, who will contest from Barchalla. Bora, a former APCC president and ex-Rajya Sabha member, adds significant experience to the party's roster in that constituency.

In Dispur (33), Congress has selected Mira Borthakur Goswami, who has previously run in the Guwahati/Dispur region, as their candidate.

The initial list sets the stage for an intriguing contest in Bihpuria, where Narayan Bhuyan has been named as the Congress candidate. This seat could witness a notable rivalry if the BJP nominates former APCC chief Bhupen Bora, who has recently joined their ranks. Bhuyan's candidacy positions him as a key opponent in what may become a closely monitored race in Upper Assam.

This announcement arrives amidst ongoing tensions in seat-sharing discussions between Congress and its potential ally, Raijor Dal. The negotiations are reportedly centered around a single constituency, with both parties maintaining their positions while expressing a desire for collaboration.

Additional candidate lists are anticipated in the near future as the party works to finalize its nominees for the remaining seats in the 126-member Assam Assembly.