Gaurav Gogoi Highlights Unity Against Ruling Government Ahead of Assam Elections
Gaurav Gogoi's Call for Unity in Assam
Dibrugarh, Jan 3: Gaurav Gogoi, the president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, emphasized on Friday that the upcoming 2026 Assam Assembly elections will be a landmark event. He stated that the battle will not merely be between political factions but rather a confrontation between the citizens of Assam and what he described as a 'self-proclaimed king.'
Gogoi indicated that the identity of this 'king' is already known to the public.
While addressing a large gathering, he noted that the Opposition parties are cognizant of the growing discontent among the populace and are thus rallying together in solidarity.
He accused the ruling party of attempting to sway voters through financial incentives, communal division, and breaches of electoral regulations, asserting that the people of Assam will respond with determination.
“The citizens of Assam will collectively send a strong message to the nation that money, coercion, arrogance, threats, and divisive politics cannot undermine the dignity of the people,” Gogoi remarked, emphasizing the importance of preserving Assam’s land, culture, heritage, peace, and social cohesion.
He further asserted that the results of the 2026 elections will hold national importance, potentially inspiring citizens in other states to learn from Assam's unified stance.
Gogoi made these comments during a mass convention organized by the Dibrugarh District Nagarik Sanmilan at the Amolapatty Natya Mandir auditorium, which aimed to encourage Opposition parties to unite in defense of democracy and citizens' rights.
He criticized the current government for treating citizens as 'subjects' rather than equal participants in a democratic society.
“The government has been systematically stripping citizens of their rights. There have been efforts to limit the rights of individuals to question, criticize, and express dissent. Under the current administration, citizens are regarded as 'proja' (subjects),” he stated.
Gogoi also claimed that government welfare programs are being exploited to silence beneficiaries.
“While these schemes have existed in the past and will continue, using them to intimidate and instill fear among beneficiaries will be challenged in the upcoming Assembly elections,” he added, noting that the formation of a grand alliance among Opposition parties is expected to be finalized within the month.
The convention saw participation from nearly all significant Opposition parties and a diverse representation of civil society.
Presided over by senior journalist Sarat Chandra Neog, along with Ranjan Gogoi and Mira Tanti, the speakers expressed concerns regarding the perceived decline of democratic values, restrictions on civil liberties, and issues impacting ordinary citizens.
Dharjya Konwar, general secretary of Raijor Dal, emphasized the necessity for Opposition unity to protect the Constitution and democracy.
“Let the 2026 Assembly elections serve as a testament to unity across ethnic and religious boundaries. The indigenous population is not secure under the current government, which appears eager to transfer extensive land to corporate entities,” he alleged.
Bibek Das, general secretary of CPI-ML, pointed out that history indicates the BJP has never been an ally of indigenous communities. He drew parallels with colonial governance, accusing the ruling party of undermining federalism and democratic rights.
Lurinjyoti Gogoi, president of Assam Jatiya Parishad, echoed similar views, advocating for collective cooperation among various communities, tribes, and religions. CPI State secretary and national executive member Kanak Gogoi, along with others, also addressed the gathering.
Representatives from numerous ethnic organizations, social groups, and minority religious communities from various districts of Assam were present at the convention, which concluded with a unified call to remove the BJP-led government.