Akhil Gogoi: No Opposition Coalition in Assam Without Raijor Dal
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Guwahati, February 24 (NationPress) — The leader of Raijor Dal and Sivasagar MLA, Akhil Gogoi, stated on Tuesday that discussions aimed at achieving opposition unity in Assam are progressing positively. He emphasized that a viable coalition for the Assembly elections cannot be established without including Raijor Dal.
In statements made to the media, Gogoi noted that recent engagements with Congress representatives indicate a thawing of previous disagreements.
"Constructive discussions regarding an alliance are underway. The Congress has made a commendable move forward," he remarked, signaling advancements in talks for a more extensive opposition coalition.
Akhil Gogoi mentioned that, although he hasn't received direct communication from Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, he has been in contact with senior Congress leader and former president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, Ripun Bora.
"While Gaurav Gogoi hasn't reached out to me, I have been in touch with Ripun Bora," he shared, adding that informal dialogues between the parties are ongoing.
He further revealed that Lurinjyoti Gogoi, the president of the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), which is allied with Congress in Assam, has been consistently communicating with him about the alliance discussions.
Akhil Gogoi conveyed that Lurinjyoti Gogoi has assured him that Raijor Dal will be an integral part of any opposition framework.
"Lurinjyoti Gogoi has made it clear that no alliance can be formed without Raijor Dal," Akhil Gogoi stated, reiterating the party's demand for respect, political inclusion, and a focus on issue-based collaboration within any prospective coalition.
The political climate in Assam has witnessed a surge in activity lately, with both regional and national parties contemplating the formation of a united front to counter the ruling BJP in the forthcoming Assembly elections.
Raijor Dal, which has its roots in grassroots activism and mass movements, is recognized as a significant force, particularly in Upper Assam.
On Monday, Assam Legislative Assembly Opposition Leader Debabrata Saikia mentioned that negotiations with Akhil Gogoi's Raijor Dal are still in progress, with no definitive conclusion reached yet regarding any alliance or seat-sharing arrangements.
After a meeting of the Congress Screening Committee in the national capital, Saikia urged stakeholders to avoid spreading misinformation about the talks.
"Discussions with Raijor Dal are ongoing, and no decisions have been finalized at this moment. I call upon everyone to refrain from any form of misinformation," he stated.