Congress–Raijor Dal Alliance Appears Uncertain as Akhil Gogoi Signals Withdrawal; Gaurav Gogoi Remains Hopeful

GUWAHATI: The Raijor Dal and the Indian National Congress in Assam will not form an electoral alliance because Raijor Dal president Akhil Gogoi announced that his party will run independently in the Assembly elections. 

Akhil Gogoi made a special social media post late on Friday night to announce that the Raijor Dal leadership had decided to stop all alliance negotiations. According to sources, the Congress refused to grant Raijor Dal any extra seats which created a major conflict during the negotiations. 

The disagreement reportedly intensified over seat-sharing in the Dhing and Naoboicha Assembly constituencies, where both parties failed to arrive at a consensus.

It is learnt that Akhil Gogoi was present at the Kaziranga Orchid Park on Saturday, where he reportedly participated in a special meeting of the Raijor Dal through video conferencing. During the meeting, the party took key decisions regarding its participation in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Meanwhile, Gaurav Gogoi who serves as the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President arrived in his hometown Jorhat after his official declaration as the Congress candidate for the Jorhat Assembly constituency. 

The District Congress Committee leaders and workers together with local residents welcomed the APCC President and Jorhat Assembly candidate when he arrived at the location. Gogoi appeared overwhelmed by the enthusiastic reception from party workers and members of the public.

Gogoi later visited Pallavi Saikia Gogoi who stands as the Congress candidate for the Teok Assembly constituency to express his best wishes to her.

Gogoi told the media that although the Assembly election date remains unannounced yet there exists a strong chance that elections will take place before Bohag Bihu festival. 

"We have only 30 days in our hands. These 30 days are extremely valuable. I have urged our party workers to go door-to-door every day during this period,” he said.

Gogoi further stated that the people of Assam are seeking change and that the Congress party has been receiving overwhelming support from the public during its “Xomoy Poribortonor” campaign.

“Today people in Assam are afraid to speak their minds freely. Only one particular family has prospered step by step across the state. That family has managed to occupy nearly 12,000 bighas of land across Assam. The number of liquor shops inside villages has increased and government schools are being shut down,” he alleged.

Gogoi also claimed that the people of Assam want Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to be removed from office, alleging that the Chief Minister has repeatedly undermined the dignity of the post.

Commenting on opposition unity, the APCC President made an important remark and said he remains optimistic about the formation of a broader alliance.

“Yesterday we held a joint press conference with three parties. In the coming days we will soon begin joint campaign programmes and address public meetings together across Assam,” he said.

When asked by journalists whether there would be an alliance with Raijor Dal, Gogoi said he is still hopeful.

“I remain hopeful. I believe the issues will be resolved soon.”

Responding to a question regarding a Facebook post by Akhil Gogoi claiming that the last effort had failed, Gogoi said he is not disappointed yet.

“I am not disappointed yet. I am still hopeful that an alliance will happen. It may take a little time, but time has not run out yet,” he added.

Also Read: Assam: AJP to Announce Candidates for 12 Assembly Seats on March 12