Guwahati, Feb 21 (NationPress) The regional party in Assam, Raijor Dal leader and Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi, stated on Saturday that his party will not yield on seat-sharing with Congress and insists on a minimum of 15 seats in the forthcoming state Assembly elections. He emphasized that even if the total is negotiated down, the party must receive at least 12 Assembly constituencies of its preference.

During a press briefing following a meeting of Raijor Dal leaders, Gogoi remarked that this demand stems from the party’s increasing political influence and grassroots presence throughout Assam.

“Raijor Dal requires 15 Assembly seats. If that proves unfeasible, Congress will have to grant us a minimum of 12 seats that we select. There can be no alliance without a fair arrangement,” he stated.

Moreover, he indicated that Raijor Dal is willing to make political compromises to endorse Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi as the Chief Ministerial candidate for the Opposition alliance, provided that such a consensus aids in defeating the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam.

“We are prepared to make all necessary sacrifices to see Gaurav Gogoi appointed as the Chief Minister of Assam. Our ultimate aim is to safeguard Assam and overcome the BJP,” he affirmed.

Akhil Gogoi's comments arise amid ongoing talks among opposition parties regarding alliance formation and seat-sharing strategies leading up to the upcoming state elections.

Discussions between Congress and regional parties, including Raijor Dal, have intensified as the Opposition endeavors to present a united front against the ruling BJP-led coalition in the state.

Raijor Dal, which positions itself as a pro-people regional entity, has been advocating for enhanced representation within any opposition coalition, highlighting its role in mobilizing public movements and its electoral performance.

However, Congress has yet to make any formal declarations concerning seat-sharing, stating that discussions remain in the initial phase.

Political analysts believe that Akhil Gogoi's assertive position illustrates the rising confidence of smaller regional parties in Assam's opposition landscape, where electoral dynamics and leadership visibility are becoming pivotal issues.

The BJP, presently in power in Assam, has consistently dismissed the Opposition's coalition efforts as unstable and motivated by personal ambitions.

As negotiations are set to proceed in the upcoming days, the Opposition’s capacity to reach a consensus on seat-sharing and leadership could be critical in determining the political landscape in Assam.