JORHAT, ASSAM – Putting an end to weeks of intense speculation and last-minute negotiations, the Indian National Congress & Raijor Dal officially signed a coalition agreement on Thursday for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections. The formal conclusion of the deal was announced during a joint press conference held at the residence of Gaurav Gogoi in Jorhat, signaling a united opposition front against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The alliance marks a significant milestone in the state’s political landscape, bringing together two key opposition forces in a bid to unseat the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government.

Speaking at the announcement, Raijor Dal chief Akhil Gogoi termed the partnership a “historic opportunity” for the people of Assam, particularly the voters in the Jorhat constituency. Taking a direct swipe at the Chief Minister, Gogoi rallied supporters for a decisive electoral verdict.

“It is now time to replace a Chief Minister who only talks with a capable leader,” Akhil Gogoi asserted. “For this, the people must ensure a massive victory through their votes. This alliance is not just about seats; it is about securing the future of Assam.”

Expanding the Opposition Unity Front

Assam Congress President Gaurav Gogoi, who has been at the forefront of stitching together the opposition coalition, confirmed the development. He reiterated that his goal has always been to create a “broad, united coalition” against the BJP, emphasizing that the discussions with Raijor Dal were crucial to expanding the pre-existing opposition understanding.

“We want to broaden this opposition coalition, and therefore, we are in talks with another party, the Raijor Dal. We are hopeful,” Gaurav Gogoi had stated prior to the finalization of the pact. “People of Assam want to see a united opposition. I am putting my best personal efforts to stitch together a broad, united coalition of opposition parties who are against the Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma.”

With this new addition, the opposition alliance now presents a formidable challenge to the BJP. The coalition currently includes:

Indian National Congress
Raijor Dal
Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP)
Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM)
Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (CPI ML)
All Party Hill Leaders’ Conference (APHLC)

Gaurav Gogoi’s Push for Nod from High Command

Gaurav Gogoi revealed that the state unit has formally communicated the seat-sharing understanding to the party’s national leadership in New Delhi, seeking final approval. With the clock ticking down to the last date of nomination, the urgency was palpable.

“We have very little time. We know that candidates will have to file nominations on Friday or on Monday,” Gogoi noted, highlighting the pressure of the election schedule. “I have personally conveyed to the party leadership and my colleagues in Assam the necessity of an alliance. As the state president, I have placed facts and arguments before the national leadership.”

He added, “After completing discussions, we have informed the national leadership that an understanding has been reached at the state level. If this materialises, it will benefit both the party and Assam.”

The Electoral Battlefield: Key Dates

The newly formed alliance faces a tight deadline. The election schedule is as follows:

Last Date for Filing Nominations: March 23
Scrutiny of Papers: March 24
Last Date for Withdrawal of Candidature: March 26
Date of Polling: April 9 (for the 126-member assembly)
Date of Counting: May 4

This coalition aims to consolidate the anti-BJP vote share in a bid to counter the organizational might of the saffron party, which has already announced 88 candidates. The coming days will reveal how the seat-sharing arrangement pans out and whether this united opposition can translate into electoral success against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.