Assam Opposition leadership: Congress to decide soon, says Rakibul Hussain
Synopsis
With the Assam opposition leadership still vacant, Congress MP Rakibul Hussain says the AICC's MLA consultation process is the only reason for the delay — and has used the moment to pivot to a cost-of-living attack, alleging post-election price rises in fuel, pulses, and cooking gas are squeezing ordinary citizens.
Key Takeaways
Dhubri MP Rakibul Hussain confirmed on 21 May that Congress will appoint the Leader of Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly within days.
The appointment follows an AICC observer process in which every Congress MLA's opinion is formally recorded before a decision is made.
Hussain dismissed reports of internal divisions, calling the delay purely procedural .
Congress acknowledged the NDA's electoral mandate in Assam but pledged to serve as a responsible opposition.
Hussain alleged rising prices of petrol, diesel, pulses, rice, and edible oil were hurting ordinary citizens and small businesses post-election.
Senior Indian National Congress leader and Dhubri MP Rakibul Hussain on Thursday, 21 May said the party would finalise the appointment of the Leader of Opposition and other key posts in the Assam Legislative Assembly within the next few days, following structured consultations with legislators and leaders of the All India Congress Committee (AICC). Hussain, speaking to reporters in Guwahati, insisted the delay was procedural rather than a sign of internal discord.
The Selection Process
Hussain explained that the Congress follows a defined consultative mechanism before filling Assembly-level positions including Leader of Opposition, Deputy Leader, Chief Whip, Deputy Chief Whip, and party secretaries. 'We have a system in the Congress party where AICC observers take the opinion of every MLA. After completing that process, a decision will be taken within the next few days,' he said.
He firmly dismissed speculation about divisions within the Congress Legislature Party, stating that the party's commitment to collective leadership and democratic processes governed the timeline — not factional disagreements.
Congress Accepts Mandate, Vows Responsible Opposition
Hussain acknowledged that the people of Assam had returned the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government to power, and that the Congress accepted that verdict. At the same time, he underlined that voters had also entrusted the party with the role of a responsible opposition. 'At the same time, the people have entrusted us with the responsibility of functioning as the Opposition, and we will discharge that duty responsibly,' he said.
He added that the party's primary focus would be to consistently highlight the government's failures and shortcomings before the public.
Inflation and Rising Prices in the Crosshairs
Hussain used the occasion to sharpen the Congress's economic critique, alleging that prices of essential commodities had risen sharply after the elections. He claimed that petrol, diesel, pulses, rice, and edible oil were all becoming increasingly unaffordable for ordinary citizens, eroding their purchasing power.
'Prices of petrol, diesel, pulses, rice, and edible oil are increasing continuously. This inflation is hurting ordinary citizens and reducing their purchasing power,' Hussain alleged. He further claimed that small businesses, roadside eateries, and hotels were struggling due to delayed or inadequate cooking gas cylinder supplies and a resulting drop in consumer spending.
Austerity Appeals Draw Criticism
The Congress MP also took aim at recent government appeals for austerity and reduced fuel consumption, arguing these contradicted earlier official assurances that fuel and gas supplies were adequate. He questioned why citizens were being asked to curtail usage if there was no shortage, calling the messaging inconsistent.
Hussain urged the government to take immediate corrective steps to rein in inflation and provide relief to common people. 'We hope the government will seriously address these issues and bring relief to the people,' he said. With the opposition leadership structure in Assam set to be formalised soon, the Congress appears to be positioning itself for a sustained campaign on cost-of-living issues ahead of the next legislative session.
Point of View
But the optics matter. A party that lost power still needs a functioning opposition bench to remain electorally relevant, and every day without a named leader is a day the government faces less structured scrutiny. Hussain's pivot to inflation as the Congress's first substantive attack line is strategically sensible: cost-of-living grievances are broadly felt and difficult for any government to deflect. The question is whether the party can sustain that pressure once the internal leadership process concludes and Assembly sessions begin in earnest.
NationPress
17 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Congress appoint the Leader of Opposition in Assam?
Congress MP Rakibul Hussain said on 21 May 2025 that the appointment would be made within the next few days, after AICC observers complete their process of consulting every Congress MLA in the Assam Legislative Assembly.
Why has the Assam Congress opposition leader not been named yet?
Hussain said the delay is entirely procedural, driven by the party's requirement that AICC observers formally record the opinion of each MLA before a decision is taken. He dismissed suggestions of any factional split within the Congress Legislature Party.
What posts will Congress fill in the Assam Assembly?
Apart from the Leader of Opposition, Congress is expected to appoint a Deputy Leader, Chief Whip, Deputy Chief Whip, and party secretaries within the Assembly, all through the same AICC consultation process.
What economic issues has Congress raised in Assam?
Rakibul Hussain alleged that prices of petrol, diesel, pulses, rice, and edible oil have risen sharply after the elections, hurting ordinary citizens. He also claimed small businesses and eateries were struggling due to delayed cooking gas cylinder supplies and reduced consumer spending.
Has Congress accepted the NDA's win in Assam?
Yes. Hussain explicitly stated that Congress accepts the mandate given by the people to the NDA government in Assam, while asserting that the party will fulfil its responsibility as a principled and active opposition.
