The opposition unity efforts in Assam faced uncertainty as regional parties Raijor Dal and Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) met in Guwahati without involving the Congress in discussions on seat-sharing for the upcoming Assembly elections. The closed-door meeting included Raijor Dal chief Akhil Gogoi, AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi, and leaders from both parties, along with representatives from the CPI and CPI(M) to explore broader coordination.
The meeting primarily focused on seat-sharing and the future of opposition unity following the resignation of Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bhupen Bora, adding to the existing uncertainty. Akhil Gogoi, after the meeting, issued a two-day ultimatum to the Congress, seeking clarity on seat-sharing and expressing Raijor Dal’s interest in 15 Assembly constituencies in any alliance.
Akhil Gogoi emphasized that Raijor Dal is ready to contest independently in 46 constituencies if necessary, highlighting the party’s preparedness. While the exclusion of the Congress from the meeting signifies a lack of trust among opposition parties, discussions for broader unity remain open, contingent on the Congress’s response, as the state gears up for the elections.
The upcoming days will be crucial in determining whether a united opposition front will materialize in Assam or if parties will pursue separate paths in the electoral arena, especially with the ruling BJP intensifying its election preparations.
