Major Opposition Unity Forged in Assam
In a significant political development, the Congress party, alongside seven key opposition parties, has officially declared its intention to contest the 2026 Assam assembly elections as a unified coalition. This strategic move, announced on Wednesday, is aimed squarely at creating a powerful opposition front to challenge the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The Strategic Meeting and Coalition Partners
The landmark decision was finalized during a nearly two-hour-long strategic meeting held at the Congress Legislature Party office within the assembly. The gathering was chaired by Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Gaurav Gogoi. The meeting saw the participation of leaders from a diverse range of parties, solidifying a broad-based alliance.
The coalition partners include:
- Raijor Dal
- Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP)
- Anchalik Gana Morcha
- CPM
- CPI
- CPI(ML)
- All Party Hills Leaders’ Conference
Addressing the media after the meeting, Gaurav Gogoi stated, “All parties reached a consensus on forming an anti-BJP alliance to free the people of Assam from the misrule, corruption, and oppression of the current government.” He assured that further details regarding the opposition's roadmap would be unveiled in the coming days.
Key Figures and Resolutions
The coalition's strength was underscored by the presence of prominent political figures who confirmed their participation. These included CPM leader and Sarbhog MLA Manoranjan Talukdar, Raijor Dal President and Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi, Rajya Sabha MP Ajit Kumar Bhuyan, and AJP President Lurinjyoti Gogoi.
Adding weight to the announcement, AICC general secretary Jitendra Singh emphasized the unprecedented unity among the opposition forces. He vowed to establish a new “people’s government” in Assam, signaling a direct challenge to the incumbent administration.
Earlier on the same day, the Assam PCC Political Affairs Committee (PAC) convened at Rajiv Bhawan under Gaurav Gogoi's leadership. This meeting adopted several key resolutions, setting the stage for the broader opposition gathering.
Grassroots Outreach and Electoral Preparedness
Beyond the alliance, the Congress party unveiled an ambitious new outreach initiative named “Raijor Padulit, Raijor Congress” (Congress at People’s Doorstep). Gaurav Gogoi explained that under this program, “Congress leaders will visit every corner of Assam — from tea gardens to hill and tribal areas — and spend nights in ordinary households to understand the real issues of the people.”
In a move to bolster electoral integrity, Gogoi highlighted that the party has already appointed Booth Level Agents (BLAs) in 80–90% of nearly 29,000 booths across the state. He confirmed that the formation of booth committees is currently underway and is expected to be completed by the end of the month.
In a tribute to the cultural fabric of Assam, Gaurav Gogoi also announced a special musical event, “Kanchanjungha – Sanskriti Houk Maitriyor Mantra”, scheduled for November 18 in Guwahati to honour the late singer Zubeen Garg. Accompanying this will be a statewide Nahor sapling plantation drive in his memory.
The Congress party has indicated that further decisions from the meeting will be announced later, as the opposition bloc solidifies its strategy for the crucial 2026 assembly elections in Assam.
