Guwahati: Differences over seat-sharing have triggered serious tensions within Assam’s opposition camp, with sharp exchanges between the Indian National Congress and its allies — Raijor Dal and Assam Jatiya Parishad — raising questions over the future of the proposed opposition alliance.
Raijor Dal president and Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi on Friday made strong remarks before the media, stating that the opposition “grand alliance” is now in the ICU. Expressing deep concern, he said discussions on seat-sharing should have been resolved during the Assembly session, but the Congress leadership’s “negative and unclear response” has complicated the situation.
Gogoi alleged inconsistency in Congress’ approach, claiming that the party repeatedly changed its negotiation committee and brought new representatives to the discussion table. He informed that Raijor Dal held an emergency core committee meeting and has sent a final letter to the Congress high command.
The main point of disagreement remains the number and selection of constituencies. According to Akhil Gogoi, Congress has decided to contest 100 seats. Raijor Dal had initially demanded 27 seats, later reduced its demand to 18, and finally requested only 15 seats as a compromise. However, he claimed that Congress has agreed to give them only four of their preferred constituencies.
He further alleged that despite requesting at least three minority-dominated constituencies, Congress has agreed to leave only one. Gogoi said that the seats being offered are areas where Raijor Dal has no strong organisational base.
“How can we contest from constituencies where we have no groundwork? Our workers have worked at booth level for five years,” he questioned. He warned that if Congress fails to respond positively, the entire opposition camp will suffer the consequences.
Gogoi made it clear that Raijor Dal’s next step will depend entirely on Congress’ reply. “If commitments are not honoured, not only us but Congress will also face major losses,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) has also expressed dissatisfaction over the slow progress in alliance talks. After a key political affairs committee meeting in Guwahati, AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi said politics should not be driven by ego.
He stressed that candidate selection should be based on winnability rather than fixed numerical demands. “This fight is not just for power but to protect the Constitution and democratic institutions. We must focus on people-centric politics,” he said.
Sources suggest that AJP may be offered eight seats, but Congress has not officially clarified its stand, adding to uncertainty among allies.
Lurinjyoti Gogoi warned that delays in finalising seat-sharing will only benefit the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). “To defeat the BJP, we must unite. Immediate decisions are necessary,” he said.
Responding to the developments, Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi said he is making every possible effort to bring all major opposition parties together.
Addressing criticism over the number of seats Congress is contesting, Gogoi said, “Many have asked why Congress has given up so many seats. My answer is simple — alliance is necessary at this moment. In the present situation, unity is essential for Assam.”
He appealed to all parties to adopt a positive approach and complete the seat-sharing process at the earliest through mutual understanding and compromise.
With elections approaching and seat-sharing yet to be finalised, confusion at the grassroots level is growing. While allies are seeking preferred constituencies, Congress appears keen to retain a larger share of seats.
Political observers believe that how Congress handles the demands of its allies in the coming days will be crucial. If consensus is not reached soon, opposition vote division against the BJP could become almost certain.
The coming days are expected to determine whether the opposition alliance in Assam survives internal differences or faces a major setback ahead of the elections.
