Assam Congress Rejects Alliance with AIUDF Ahead of 2026 Elections

Gaurav Gogoi's Firm Stance

Guwahati, Dec 17: Gaurav Gogoi, the president of the Assam Congress, has firmly stated that there will be no collaboration with the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) in the lead-up to the 2026 Assembly elections, labeling the party as 'communal' and likening it to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Gogoi emphasized, "We will not ally with the AIUDF under any circumstances. It is a communal entity, similar to the BJP. We cannot unite with one communal force to counter another."

These comments follow the announcement from Congress and eight other opposition parties that they will contest the upcoming elections together under the Asom Sonmilito Morcha banner to challenge the BJP. Notably, the AIUDF is excluded from this coalition.

Previously, Congress and AIUDF had partnered in the 2021 Assembly elections but separated after Bhupen Kumar Borah assumed leadership of the Congress in Assam.

When questioned about the Morcha's progress on seat-sharing arrangements, Gogoi indicated that such discussions are typically conducted privately. He stated, "These matters are discussed off-camera. Only after these discussions are finalized can we make any official statements. The forthcoming elections will pose significant challenges for the BJP."

The Assam Assembly elections, covering 126 constituencies, are anticipated to take place in March or April of the coming year.

Currently, the BJP holds 64 seats in the Assembly, while its allies, including the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), and Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), have nine, seven, and three seats, respectively.

In the opposition, Congress has 26 legislators, AIUDF has 15, the CPI(M) has one, and there is one Independent MLA.

Gogoi asserted that the BJP is experiencing increasing dissatisfaction among its members. He claimed, "The top leadership is aware that the party's future looks bleak under the current leadership. While a few ministers and close associates have profited, the grassroots workers have seen no benefits."

He also pointed out that essential infrastructure in areas where BJP supporters reside has been neglected, citing issues such as unfinished roads, inadequate drinking water, and poor conditions in government schools.

The Deputy Leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha accused Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of managing the party for his own benefit along with a select group of associates.

In response to accusations of Congress being 'pro-Miya', Gogoi dismissed these claims as unfounded. He noted that individuals who genuinely care for Assam and its resources have been joining the party since April of the previous year.

He remarked, "A glance at those who have joined Congress clearly reveals the absurdity of such allegations."

The term 'Miya', which was initially used derogatorily for Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam, has been reclaimed by some community members as a form of resistance.