Tensions Rise in Assam's Opposition Alliance Ahead of 2026 Elections
Growing Divisions in Assam's Opposition Bloc
Guwahati, Feb 25: As the 2026 Assembly elections approach, fissures are becoming more apparent within Assam's opposition coalition. The Congress party has expressed discomfort regarding seat-sharing discussions with Raijor Dal, despite ongoing negotiations.
Gaurav Gogoi, president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), acknowledged on Wednesday that talks with Raijor Dal are at different stages. He mentioned that he has submitted comprehensive reports to the party's central leadership, detailing both finalized discussions and those still in progress.
Gogoi raised concerns about Raijor Dal potentially nominating individuals who have either departed from or been expelled by the Congress, indicating that this matter is currently under internal scrutiny.
“The public is aware of the situation. While I remain optimistic about the alliance, the dynamics have changed,” Gogoi remarked, highlighting the delicate nature of the opposition front.
Although he refrained from announcing a collapse of the alliance, he emphasized that any conclusive decision would be made by the Congress central leadership.
“We will officially communicate the outcomes of the seat-sharing and alliance discussions. Our negotiations regarding seat distribution have been finalized with several parties,” he stated, noting that the party follows established protocols before making any public declarations.
In response, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma advised the Congress to be cautious about relinquishing minority-heavy constituencies to smaller coalition partners.
“It’s undeniable that Congress has a significant foothold in minority-dominated areas and a strong chance of winning those seats. If these are allocated to Raijor Dal or Asom Jatiya Parishad (AJP), Congress risks losing its position in the opposition next term,” Sarma warned.
He elaborated on the numbers, stating, “To claim the Leader of the Opposition role, a party needs at least 22 seats in the 126-member Assembly,” during a press briefing in Jorhat.
“If Raijor Dal secures five seats, AJP one, and AIUDF wins two or three, then Congress will certainly forfeit its opposition seat next year,” he added.
The BJP has consistently portrayed the opposition's seat-sharing strategy as a zero-sum game that could undermine Congress's standing, even if the coalition performs adequately.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Raijor Dal, the Congress seems to be making headway with other partners. Reports indicate that the party has allocated nine Assembly seats to the Asom Jatiya Parishad (AJP), including Khowang, Barhampur, Binnakandi, Bajali, Dibrugarh, Sarupathar, Guwahati Central, Sadiya, and Palashbari. It remains to be seen if similar clarity will emerge in discussions with Raijor Dal.