Opposition Parties Unite for Assam Assembly Elections 2026
Revival of the Asom Sonmilito Morcha
Guwahati, July 6: After extensive discussions and speculation, the Asom Sonmilito Morcha is poised for a revival as major opposition parties reaffirm their commitment to unite ahead of the 2026 Assam Assembly elections.
During the closing day of the two-day Assam United Citizens' Convention held at the ITA Centre in Machkhowa, leaders from various regional and national parties expressed a strong consensus on the necessity of forming an alliance to challenge the ruling BJP.
Veteran intellectual Hiren Gohain, a long-time advocate for opposition unity, expressed optimism, describing the developments as a significant advancement.
“There has been considerable speculation and perhaps some internal disagreements. However, today all parties have made it clear—they will unite for the 2026 elections. I am pleased to announce that a united opposition front is indeed on the horizon,” Gohain stated.
Importantly, Gohain noted that the Congress, which had distanced itself from the Morcha prior to the 2024 by-elections, is set to rejoin the coalition. “Gaurav Gogoi has confirmed that the Congress will participate in the alliance,” he remarked.
Gohain also indicated plans to extend this message across Assam, with intentions to hold similar conventions in various regions to garner public support for the initiative.
Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) president Lurinjyoti Gogoi emphasized that defeating the BJP necessitates strategic unity and a concerted effort to prevent vote splitting.
“Even a minor 10% division in votes could have significant repercussions. Opposition unity is our brahmastra against the BJP. Once this alliance is formed, hope will be rekindled among the people,” he cautioned.
He further suggested that the coalition should be tactical and focused on specific issues. “We must pinpoint the ruling party’s strongholds and effectively counter their influence,” Gogoi advised.
Raijor Dal chief Akhil Gogoi echoed these sentiments, recalling the failure of a similar alliance in 2021 when the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) aligned with the Congress.
“We aim to avoid repeating past mistakes. We are all awaiting the Congress to signal its readiness. Once that occurs, the united opposition front will become a reality,” he stated.
The Congress, meanwhile, has taken a more cautious approach. While acknowledging that preliminary discussions have occurred, the party indicated that a formal decision would follow comprehensive consultations with all involved parties.
“We are open to dialogue and have already engaged with leaders from multiple parties. It’s not just about unity—it’s about matching the organizational strength of the BJP and RSS on the ground. To succeed, we need support from all segments of society,” remarked senior Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi.
With approximately nine months remaining until the elections, the signs of realignment among anti-BJP factions are evident.
However, it remains to be seen if this emerging coalition can navigate internal challenges and effectively counter the ruling party’s robust electoral machinery.
For now, Assam's political landscape is heating up, and the race for the 2026 elections is officially underway.