Guwahati: The Raijor Dal has set a firm deadline of January 31 for the party to clearly state its position on seat-sharing for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections. Failing this, Raijor Dal has warned that it will contest the elections independently.
Addressing a press conference at the party’s Guwahati office on friday, Raijor Dal advisor and former IPS officer Dilip Bora said the delay in finalising seat-sharing was primarily due to the Congress’ inability to take a clear decision. He alleged that the main opposition party has failed to resolve its internal issues and is creating hurdles in opposition unity.
Bora stressed that the interest of the people of Assam must take priority over party interests, and called upon the Congress to take an immediate and decisive stand. He said the Congress has so far failed to present a clear political roadmap to the people, adding that the responsibility for this uncertainty lies with the party itself.
Referring to the last ten years of BJP-led alliance rule in Assam, Bora alleged attempts to divide the state, spread social discord in the name of caste and religion, and weaken the state’s economy. He emphasised the urgent need for all opposition forces to unite to defeat what he termed as “anti-people forces” and remove them from power. He also expressed disappointment that despite several rounds of discussions, seat-sharing among opposition parties remains unresolved.
Meanwhile, Raijor Dal working president Bhasko D. Saikia said the party has already begun election preparations in more than 40 constituencies, with many aspirants collecting nomination forms. He revealed that Raijor Dal had initially shared a list of 27 constituencies with the Congress for contesting the elections, which was later reduced to 20 seats in the interest of alliance unity. Even now, he said, the party is open to further adjustments for the sake of an opposition alliance.
However, Saikia termed the lack of any clear response from the Congress as “regrettable”. He warned that forming alliances at the last moment would not yield results and demanded that the seat-sharing agreement be finalised at the earliest. He added that delays are seriously affecting the election preparedness of all parties involved.
Saikia further disclosed that two sitting MLAs are expected to join Raijor Dal on February 17 and 18, which, he said, would further strengthen the party. He also claimed that discussions are ongoing with four to five more legislators.
Raijor Dal general secretary Russel Hussain and other central committee members were also present at the press conference.
