Tensions Rise in Assam's Opposition Following Election Results

Internal Conflicts Emerge Among Opposition Leaders

Guwahati, May 9:  The recent Assembly election results have highlighted significant rifts within Assam's opposition, particularly between Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi and Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi, who have exchanged criticisms publicly.

In response to the electoral outcomes, Congress is set to hold an important meeting on Saturday to evaluate their performance, address organizational issues, and refine their campaign strategies.

However, prior to these discussions, discord among opposition figures has become apparent, with both Gaurav and Akhil Gogoi attributing blame to one another and the Congress leadership for the campaign's shortcomings.

During a press conference on Friday, Gaurav Gogoi expressed his dissatisfaction with Akhil's recent comments, suggesting they were sowing doubt about the unity of the opposition alliance.

“Akhil Gogoi's statements are increasingly casting doubt on our alliance. We are currently reviewing our missteps and exploring ways to improve, but such public remarks only foster unnecessary suspicion,” Gaurav Gogoi stated.

He reminded Akhil that his victories in Dhing and Sivasagar were largely due to the support of Congress voters, emphasizing the need for internal discussions rather than provocative public statements. “If they choose to pursue a separate political direction, we too will chart our own path,” he added.

Earlier, Akhil Gogoi had criticized the Congress leadership, claiming they ran a weak campaign against the BJP, despite having opportunities to strengthen their position.

Akhil questioned the involvement of senior Congress figures during the campaign, stating that only a few actively participated in Assam. “How many rallies did Gaurav Gogoi actually hold? Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were present at only a few events. I urged Priyanka to extend her stay in Assam for a more robust campaign,” he remarked.

He argued that the BJP's success stemmed from its disciplined political strategy, while the opposition faltered due to poor coordination and lack of preparation. “The BJP had a five-year vision and a well-structured plan. We lost because our campaign was disorganized. While there may be concerns regarding EVMs, the primary reason for our defeat was our own shortcomings,” he explained.

Akhil also criticized Congress legislators for not acting as a strong opposition over the past five years, suggesting many appeared ineffective against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Reflecting on the BJP's vigorous campaigning, he noted the numerous rallies held by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and other senior BJP leaders across Assam. “When Himanta campaigned in Sivasagar and drew thousands of women to his rally, I felt anxious about the competition. The BJP's organizational strength was evident,” he said.

Meanwhile, senior Congress figure Ripun Bora recalled his resignation as president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee following the party's defeat in the 2021 Assembly elections, stating he stepped down on moral grounds. “When Congress failed to form a government despite winning 51 seats, I felt morally obligated to resign. My conscience compelled me to take responsibility for the loss,” Bora remarked.

The unfolding events have revealed escalating tensions within the opposition as parties strive to regroup after their electoral defeat.