“Congress to Lead Anti-BJP Alliance in Assam 2026, Will Contest 100 Seats”: Gaurav Gogoi

The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) on Sunday observed the 141st Foundation Day of the Indian National Congress with a central programme at Tezpur, the district headquarters of Sonitpur.

The event was organised by the Sonitpur District Congress Committee.

The celebrations began with the hoisting of the party flag by APCC President Gaurav Gogoi, followed by floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and Assam’s cultural icon and legendary singer Zubeen Garg. Gogoi also inaugurated the Sonitpur District Congress election ‘War Room’, signalling the party’s early preparations for the 2026 Assembly elections.

The programme was attended by former APCC presidents Ripun Bora and Bhupen Bora, MLA Shivamani Bora, and several senior party leaders. A large procession was later taken out through the streets of Tezpur, culminating at Jayamati Playground, where Congress workers from across the district participated in a massive public meeting.

Addressing the gathering, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi announced that the Congress would contest the 2026 Assam Assembly elections in alliance with like-minded parties to defeat what he termed the “anti-people BJP government.”

He said the Congress would contest around 100 constituencies, while the remaining seats would be allotted to alliance partners through mutual understanding. Gogoi, however, categorically ruled out any alliance with the AIUDF, stating that “there is no place for communal politics in the Congress-led alliance.”

“The Congress believes in peace, unity and the Constitution, while the BJP survives on division and unrest. The dignity that has been taken away from the people of Assam will be restored under Congress leadership,” Gogoi said.

He accused the BJP government of systematically eroding democratic institutions and failing to fulfil its promises over the past decade. Referring to the tenure of former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, he said the poor and marginalised had benefited under Congress rule and assured that meaningful change would follow if the party returned to power.

Invoking Assam’s inclusive legacy envisioned by Jyotiprasad Agarwala, Bishnuprasad Rabha, Bhupen Hazarika and Zubeen Garg, Gogoi said the Congress would work towards rebuilding a harmonious and inclusive Assam. He announced that a separate law would be introduced to take strict action against those spreading religious hatred.

“Whether it is a church, namghar, temple or mosque, anyone attempting to desecrate a place of worship will face strict punishment. In the Assam of Sankardeva–Madhavdeva and Ajan Pir, divisive forces will not be tolerated,” he said.

Taking a sharp dig at the Chief Minister, Gogoi said that fear of defeat had pushed him into making “irrational and irresponsible statements.” He also alleged misuse of welfare schemes, including Orunodoi, claiming benefits were being selectively distributed based on political allegiance.

Former APCC president Bhupen Bora highlighted the Congress’s historic role in India’s freedom struggle and called upon citizens to unite to protect the Constitution, democracy and national unity. Former MP Ripun Bora said the Congress’s legacy of non-violent struggle and sacrifice remained unmatched, while accusing the BJP of spreading hatred and undermining India’s secular fabric.

The programme was coordinated with the support of the Seva Dal, led by its president Dip Bayon. Several senior leaders, former MPs, MLAs and representatives of frontal organisations, including NSUI State President Kaushik Kashyap, were present. Proceedings were conducted by APCC Media and Communication Department Chairman Bedabrat Bora.

Foundation Day Observed at Rajiv Bhavan

Separately, the 141st Foundation Day was also observed at Rajiv Bhavan in Guwahati. Former Assembly Speaker Prithvi Majhi hoisted the party flag. The programme, conducted by APCC General Secretary Bipul Gogoi, was attended by senior leaders including Mahila Congress President Meera Borthakur, APCC Vice-President Balin Kuli, and General Secretary Pradyut Bhuyan, among others.

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