Is the Assam government trying to manipulate the 2026 elections by enrolling outsiders?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Gaurav Gogoi accuses the Assam government of enrolling outsiders to influence the elections.
- Gogoi warns that no outsider should distort Assam's electoral mandate.
- The **Election Commission** is revising electoral rolls for accuracy.
- The opposition is more united and prepared than ever before.
- Eight parties have agreed to contest the upcoming elections together.
Guwahati, Nov 19 (NationPress) Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi on Wednesday fiercely criticized Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, asserting that the state administration is attempting to influence the voter base by adding individuals from outside Assam in preparation for the 2026 Assembly elections.
During a party event in Dhubri, Gogoi claimed that the chief minister has become “the greatest liability for the BJP” and accused him of “desperately trying to include names from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in Assam's electoral register.”
According to Gogoi, these actions are aimed at swaying the upcoming elections in favor of the governing party. His statements coincide with the Election Commission’s recent directive to initiate a special summary revision of the electoral rolls, with January 1, 2026, designated as the cut-off date for eligibility.
The revision aims to update and cleanse the electoral rolls to guarantee a precise list of eligible voters ahead of the next elections.
Gogoi urged political factions, civil society organizations, and media outlets to remain alert, warning that “no outsider should be permitted to distort Assam’s electoral verdict.”
He stated that the party is gearing up for next year’s elections not just to boost its presence in the Assembly but “to establish the government and protect the rights and interests of the Assam populace.”
Intensifying his criticism, Gogoi also remarked that Chief Minister Sarma is “in significant political jeopardy.”
He alleged that the BJP leader had approached AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal for assistance and hinted that AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi “may also make an appearance in Assam soon” to support the chief minister.
Positioning the opposition as better organized this time, Gogoi asserted that the Congress-led coalition is advancing effectively and has gained considerable momentum. He noted that eight parties — including Congress, CPI, CPI(M), CPI(ML), Raijor Dal, Assam Jatiya Parishad, Jatiya Dal–Asom, and the All Party Hill Leaders Conference — have consented to contest the 2026 Assembly elections collectively against the BJP.
He confirmed that the opposition alliance is “far more united and prepared than ever before,” committed to delivering a robust alternative for the electorate when Assam goes to the polls next year.