Assam Opposition Alliance Launches Campaign Ahead of 2026 Elections
Joint Campaign Initiative Announced
Guwahati, March 6: On Friday, an alliance of opposition parties in Assam declared the commencement of a collaborative campaign throughout the state, as four political entities unite to form a consolidated front in anticipation of the 2026 Assam Assembly elections.
During a joint press briefing in Guwahati, Gaurav Gogoi, the Chief of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), emphasized the urgency of their campaign efforts, noting that the time leading up to the elections is both limited and critical.
“We anticipate the announcement of Assembly elections next month, prior to Bihu. Therefore, we have a mere 30 days, which are crucial for our campaign,” Gogoi stated.
He mentioned that the coalition has agreed to organize joint campaign meetings at predetermined dates and venues across Assam.
The coalition comprises the APCC, Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), All Party Hill Leaders Conference (APHLC), and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M).
“This meeting serves to inform that we will soon initiate joint campaign meetings across Assam. It is imperative for us to work together on the ground,” he added, indicating ongoing discussions with other parties like Raijor Dal and CPI(ML) to broaden the alliance.
Gogoi also highlighted the necessity for the opposition to fortify its organizational structure at the district level and to communicate the outcomes of their discussions directly to the populace.
“The conversations we have in front of the media must now resonate with the public. Starting today, we will conduct joint meetings throughout Upper and Lower Assam and campaign collectively,” he remarked.
Supporting this sentiment, Lurinjyoti Gogoi from the AJP expressed that the alliance aims to deliver a powerful political message by uniting against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
“The collaboration of these four parties signifies our commitment to defeating the BJP in the upcoming 2026 elections. We are optimistic that more parties will join our cause soon,” he stated.
Lurinjyoti emphasized the alliance's intention to engage with citizens statewide and to shed light on the adverse effects of the BJP government's policies on the state's economy and cultural landscape over the last decade.
“Our primary objective is to unite and remove the BJP from Assam,” he asserted.
Jones Ingti Kathar, representing the APHLC, claimed that residents of Assam's hill districts have faced significant neglect.
“Our foremost goal is to defeat the BJP, which operates under the RSS's influence. Those in the plains cannot fathom the realities faced by the hill districts,” he remarked.
Kathar pointed out that tribal communities in the hills are experiencing deprivation in employment, government services, and education.
Meanwhile, Suprakash Talukdar from the CPI(M) noted that the increasing public support for the opposition alliance has unsettled the BJP leadership.
“Despite their so-called double-engine government, the Chief Minister is now aware of the public sentiment towards the BJP. Today marks a promising start for our united alliance,” Talukdar commented.
He also criticized Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, alleging that his political speeches have caused embarrassment for many Assameses outside the state.
During the interaction, Gogoi also criticized Sarma regarding the BJP's alleged political dealings with Badruddin Ajmal and the All India United Democratic Front.
“There is no greater example of opportunistic politics than the Chief Minister seeking support from the AIUDF for the Rajya Sabha elections, a party he previously condemned,” Gogoi remarked.
In response to inquiries, Gogoi expressed the alliance's intention to further expand by incorporating additional parties.
“We aim to broaden our coalition, whether it involves CPI(ML), CPI, or Raijor Dal. Discussions with various parties are ongoing and will persist,” he concluded.