Has Congress Formed a 35-Member Committee for Assam Assembly Polls?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Feb 3 (NationPress) The President of Congress, Mallikarjun Kharge, announced the formation of an election committee for the forthcoming assembly elections in Assam on Tuesday.
This committee comprises at least 35 members, including several key figures from the opposition party. Among them are Assam state president Gaurav Gogoi, Leader of Opposition in the assembly Debabrata Saikia, two Lok Sabha MPs from Assam—Rakibul Hussain and Pradyut Bordoloi, former state party heads Bhupen Borah and Ripun Borah, and former minister Paban Singh Ghatowar, among others.
The committee is tasked with making significant decisions about alliances with regional parties, including the Raijor Dal led by Akhil Gogoi, as well as other influential entities in the state's political landscape. It will also oversee the ticket distribution for the upcoming assembly elections.
Recently, Akhil Gogoi, who is also the president of Raijor Dal and MLA from Sivasagar, stated that opposition parties in Assam are collaborating to establish a united front against the BJP as the next assembly elections approach, with Gaurav Gogoi being positioned as the preferred candidate for Chief Minister.
A vital meeting of opposition leaders took place on Sunday at Orchid Park in Golaghat. Upon arriving in Guwahati, Akhil Gogoi reported that seven political parties participated in the discussions to enhance coordination for the upcoming electoral contest.
“We firmly believe that this time, Gaurav Gogoi should be the Chief Minister of Assam. Seven parties will unite to challenge the BJP,” stated Gogoi, adding that the Congress leader had tentatively agreed.
He noted that all parties broadly concurred on the necessity of opposition unity, although seat-sharing arrangements remain under negotiation.
“While we couldn't finalize complete seat distribution today, discussions were very optimistic. We are requesting only fifteen seats. Despite having the organizational strength to contest more across Upper and Lower Assam, we are willing to limit ourselves to fifteen for the sake of unity,” he elaborated.
In targeting the BJP-led government and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Akhil Gogoi indicated that the opposition's campaign would focus on unseating the current administration.
He accused the Chief Minister of making divisive remarks to remain in public attention and stated that the opposition will strive to unify all communities in Assam.
“Our struggle is against corruption and what we perceive as communal politics. We will persist in this fight,” he affirmed.