Congress and Raijor Dal Forge Alliance for Assam Polls, Allocating 11 Seats
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Guwahati, March 20 (NationPress) In a pivotal move to strengthen opposition solidarity ahead of the forthcoming Assam Assembly elections, the Indian National Congress has finalized a seat-sharing agreement with the Raijor Dal, led by Akhil Gogoi. Under this arrangement, the Congress will allocate 11 constituencies for Raijor Dal to contest.
The constituencies earmarked for Raijor Dal include Sivasagar, Dalgaon, Dhing, Sissiborgaon, Digboi, Bokakhat, Manas, Tezpur, Kaliabor, Margherita, and Mariani.
This collaboration is viewed as a vital step toward mobilizing anti-BJP votes throughout Assam.
Additionally, both parties will engage in “friendly contests” in Goalpara East and Gauripur constituencies, allowing candidates from both the Congress and Raijor Dal to compete.
This development is part of broader efforts by opposition factions in Assam to form a more extensive alliance against the ruling BJP in the upcoming elections.
Gaurav Gogoi, president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) and Lok Sabha MP, stated that there is an increasing public demand for opposition unity to present a credible alternative to the current government.
He revealed that the Congress is actively discussing alliances and seat-sharing not only with Raijor Dal but also with groups like the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), the CPI(M), and the CPI(Marxist-Leninist) Liberation.
Gogoi emphasized the importance of collaboration among like-minded parties, asserting that a united front would enhance their capacity to challenge the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led administration.
The envisioned alliance aspires to promote inclusive development, protect the land rights of citizens, and strive towards constructing a “new Assam.”
The Congress-Raijor Dal partnership is anticipated to significantly influence electoral dynamics in several constituencies, particularly in Upper Assam, where both parties maintain a substantial foothold.
The elections for the 126-member Assembly are scheduled for April 9, with the counting of votes set for May 4.