Is There a Call for Opposition Unity in Assam Ahead of Rajya Sabha Elections?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- AIUDF emphasizes the need for opposition unity.
- Congress is urged to lead coalition efforts.
- Two Rajya Sabha seats will be contested in Assam.
- Upcoming elections are critical for opposition parties.
- Current political dynamics favor the BJP-led alliance.
Guwahati, May 29 (NationPress) As the Rajya Sabha elections for two seats in Assam approach, All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) MLA Aminul Islam has emphasized the necessity for a cohesive opposition, admitting that his party does not possess the capacity to secure a seat on its own.
In a discussion with reporters, Islam remarked, “With only 15 MLAs, we are not in a position to contest a Rajya Sabha seat independently. A united opposition could effortlessly clinch one seat. However, our current state of unity is lacking compared to the past. Our party cannot achieve anything independently.”
Islam proposed that Congress, being the main opposition entity in the Assam Assembly, should spearhead efforts to forge a wider coalition.
“If Congress president Gaurav Gogoi takes the lead to unify the opposition under a single banner, it can be done,” he added.
His remarks highlight rising concerns over the divided opposition landscape in Assam. Although the BJP-led alliance holds a significant majority, a united opposition could still pose a serious challenge for at least one of the two upper house seats.
As informal discussions gain traction, the focus now turns to Congress and its readiness to collaborate with regional entities such as AIUDF, Raijor Dal, and others as the critical vote approaches.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday revealed that the biennial elections for eight Rajya Sabha seats from Tamil Nadu and Assam will take place on June 19, with results being announced on the same day.
These elections are necessitated by the impending expiration of terms for eight members of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) from the two states, as indicated by the Election Commission.
In Assam, two seats will be vacated with the retirement of Mission Ranjan Das and Birendra Prasad Baishya, both of whom will conclude their terms on June 14.