Akhil Gogoi Reaffirms Support for Opposition Unity, Raises Governance Concerns Ahead of 2026 Assam Polls

Sibsagar MLA and Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi on Tuesday clarified his recent political visits, alliance position, and governance priorities, asserting that his party remains committed to a broader opposition unity while raising issues of ground-level governance failures.

Addressing concerns over his visit to the Wazed Ali Choudhury's Salmara South constituency, Gogoi said he did not criticise the sitting legislator during the visit but highlighted the severe lack of infrastructure in the area.

“There are no proper roads. People are forced to travel through rivers and fields. I said that if I remain an MLA till May 25 and such conditions continue, I would resign. An elected representative must be accountable, especially towards minority communities,” he said.

Gogoi reiterated his support for Wazed Ali Choudhury, stating that he would campaign for him if he receives the party ticket.

“Speaking too much at this point may create problems for him. That is why I am maintaining restraint,” he added.

On opposition unity, Gogoi said that alliance-related work would be completed before January 31. He clarified that Raijor Dal has only visited AIUDF-held constituencies so far and has not entered Congress-held seats.

“The visit to Wazed Ali Choudhury’s constituency was prompted by public resentment there,” he said.

Taking aim at the ruling dispensation, Gogoi asserted that the Congress and Raijor Dal together would politically dislodge both the BJP and AIUDF in the upcoming elections.

“If I had no mass base, would I dare to challenge Himanta Biswa Sarma to contest against me in Sivasagar?” he asked.

Referring to remarks involving Sivasagar, Gogoi said minority-centric politics does not work there and dismissed concerns that Wazed Ali Choudhury need not think about Sivasagar politics.

On seat-sharing, Gogoi drew parallels between Raijor Dal’s demands and the seat claims being made by the ruling party’s allies.

“The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) is asking for 40 seats but has been given nine. Bodoland People's Front (BPF) is demanding 15. In the same way, we are also demanding more seats. Even the Congress wants more seats. Gaurav Gogoi is a practical leader, and so am I. He will choose strong seats for Congress; I will choose strong seats for Raijor Dal. This is competition between friends,” he said.

He added that Raijor Dal seeks one or two minority-dominated seats.

“If we are denied, we will go for friendly contests in minority areas. We are not breaking the alliance,” he clarified.

“There will be alliance in majority-dominated constituencies and friendly contests in minority-dominated ones.”

Gogoi expressed confidence that Assam would see an opposition government in 2026.

“There will be investigations into fake voter entries in Sivasagar and into police encounters. NRC will be completed, and Assam will become a fear-free state. No Hindu, Muslim, or foreigner will be spared if found illegal,” he said.

He urged people not to fear criticising the government and outlined his governance vision, including skill training for forest-dwelling women to raise their wages from ₹4,000 to ₹16,000 per month and setting up at least one industry in every village.

“Competition will exist with everyone, but this time the alliance will hold,” he said.

Taking a swipe at Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Gogoi accused him of relying on a single political narrative.
“His only political spice is ‘Miya’. A political life cannot run on one issue alone,” he said.

He further stated that if given charge of the Home Department for five years, he would deport illegal foreigners one by one.

Calling upon Muslim voters, Gogoi said they should not vote for AIUDF.

“If Upper Assam votes for BJP and Lower Assam votes for AIUDF, it will benefit both Himanta Biswa Sarma and Badruddin Ajmal. If they are made to sit on the same bench, it will break their backs politically,” he remarked.

Commenting on allegations of paid attendance at political events, Gogoi said he does not attend meetings for money.

“People say they were given ₹10,000 to sit at meetings. I wouldn’t go for ₹10,000, but even I would sit if given ₹10 lakh,” he said sarcastically.

He also claimed that his meetings are entirely crowd-funded.

“Not a single rupee is spent by me. People voluntarily contribute. Even fuel for my vehicle is offered by supporters,” Gogoi said.

Also Read: Assam BJP Slams Akhil Gogoi, Calls His Allegations ‘Imaginary Fairytales’