Assam CM’s Political Prediction: Akhil Gogoi as Future Opposition Face—Unless ‘Suma Baba’ Tag Sticks

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday made an unusual political assessment, unofficially naming Raijor Dal chief Akhil Gogoi as a potential key opposition contender in the state’s future political landscape.

The remark is being seen as a rare public acknowledgment by the chief minister of Gogoi’s growing political relevance, even as their political rivalry has often been marked by sharp personal and political attacks.

Speaking to the media, CM Sarma said that while the Congress remains the principal opposition party at present, the political space could gradually be occupied by Akhil Gogoi in the coming years, particularly by 2031, if certain conditions are met.

“This time it is the Congress in the opposition. However, slowly the opposition space will be occupied by Akhil Gogoi in the coming years by 2031, unless people mock him as ‘Suma Baba’ and he takes politics seriously,” CM Sarma said.

The chief minister cited Gogoi’s stance during eviction drives in the state as a significant political factor, noting that the Raijor Dal leader stood by the Miya Muslim community despite political risks.

“During the eviction drives, Assam Congress and APCC chief Gaurav Gogoi did not stand in support of the Miya Muslim community, whereas Akhil Gogoi chose to stand by them. We keep track of the pulse and the situation, and we see that the minority community has more trust and faith in Akhil Gogoi than in Congress,” CM Sarma said.

However, CM Sarma expressed doubts about Gogoi’s immediate political prospects, suggesting that 2026 may be too early for him to emerge as a dominant opposition force due to the lack of a strong organizational backup. He predicted that in the 2026 Assembly elections, the BJP could gain support from Assamese Muslim voters, while Miya Muslim votes would largely go to Congress, with Gogoi getting a share of that vote base.

“But I feel there will be a shift in the voting pattern in 2031, and Akhil Gogoi will get more votes only if he doesn’t indulge in any unwanted things and takes politics seriously,” CM Sarma added.

The chief minister’s remarks are being interpreted as both a political prediction and a subtle challenge to Gogoi, reflecting a recognition of the Raijor Dal leader’s grassroots appeal among minority communities while questioning his long-term political discipline and organizational strength.

In the same interaction, CM Sarma also spoke about the BJP’s candidate strategy in Upper Assam, particularly regarding women candidates. He said the performance of BJP MLAs in Upper Assam has been satisfactory and claimed that people in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts have expressed satisfaction with the government’s work over the past five years.

“We don’t have any grievances with our MLAs. They have performed really well, but giving tickets is a different thing. There will be discussions, and various factors will be monitored before a final decision,” he said.

On seat-sharing issues with ally Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), CM Sarma acknowledged that constituencies like Chabua and Lahoal could be contentious, as both parties are keen to contest. He said the BJP might opt for a friendly contest or take a decision after discussions with AGP.

“Both parties want to participate in the polls, so we will discuss and then decide,” he added.

Also Read: Gaurav Gogoi Feared Losing CM Post, broke Alliance: Ex-Congress Chief Bhupen Borah