Congress-Raijor Dal Alliance Negotiations Stalled Over Seat-Sharing
Alliance Talks in Limbo
Guwahati, Mar 2: The anticipated seat-sharing discussions between the Congress party and the Raijor Dal, led by Akhil Gogoi, seem to be at a standstill, with both parties holding firm on their positions despite expressing a desire to collaborate.
During a press briefing in Guwahati on Monday, Bhasco de Saikia, the Working President of Raijor Dal, stated that while the party is open to an alliance, they have yet to receive a satisfactory offer from Congress.
"The Congress has proposed four seats. We could finalize the alliance if they agree to one more," Saikia mentioned, refraining from naming the specific constituency they are targeting.
His comments followed remarks from Gaurav Gogoi, the chief of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), who indicated that Congress had made a favorable proposal and was waiting for a response from Raijor Dal. Saikia argued that this statement might mislead the public into thinking that Raijor Dal is delaying negotiations.
"It may appear that we have received a good offer and are intentionally stalling, but that is not the case," he clarified.
Negotiation Details
Saikia elaborated on the negotiation process, revealing that Raijor Dal initially sought to contest 28 seats. After discussions, this number was reduced to 22.
When Congress indicated it could not accommodate all 22, Raijor Dal further adjusted its request, proposing a list of 18 constituencies and aiming for 15.
During a meeting on February 19, attended by senior Congress figures including Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia, Congress offered only four seats for direct competition and suggested friendly contests in four additional constituencies.
Five other constituencies that Raijor Dal did not request were proposed, with two more left for future discussions.
"We expressed our dissatisfaction during that meeting. Constituencies where we have a strong chance of winning were denied, and some were offered as friendly contests. We concluded the meeting there," Saikia stated.
He noted that while Congress had occasionally shown willingness to consider some of Raijor Dal's preferred constituencies, those assurances were later retracted.
Focus on Defeating BJP
Saikia also mentioned a meeting on February 24, which included political activist Yogendra Yadav, where he met with Raijor Dal chief Akhil Gogoi alongside Shantanu Borthakur and representatives from Assam Nagrik Sanmilan.
All attendees agreed that the primary goal should be to defeat the BJP and that forming an alliance was essential "at any cost."
Following this meeting, Raijor Dal communicated to Congress that they would accept the previously discussed framework of 13 seats if even one of their preferred constituencies was granted.
"So far, there have been no further discussions regarding the alliance. There have been no significant developments, but we remain hopeful. Our efforts are for the people of Assam," Saikia added, indicating that there was no intention to set a deadline.
Congress Maintains Negotiation Stance
In response to the situation on March 2, APCC chief Gaurav Gogoi asserted that negotiations are still ongoing. "Talks are in progress, and there are possibilities for an alliance," Gogoi stated.
"However, questions have arisen regarding how they have made decisions after consulting certain MLAs in recent days," he added.
With both parties publicly committed to the goal of defeating the BJP but sharply divided over the terms of seat-sharing, the potential alliance between Congress and Raijor Dal remains uncertain and may ultimately depend on just one constituency.