With the Assam Assembly elections approaching, fissures have emerged in the opposition after Sivasagar MLA and Raijor Dal chief Akhil Gogoi sharply criticised the Indian National Congress on Tuesday, March 3, for unilaterally releasing its first list of candidates. Gogoi called the move “unfortunate” and “unconstitutional,” saying it came even as seat-sharing talks were underway and signalling a possible rupture in opposition unity at a sensitive moment.
Gogoi said the Congress decision to announce candidates while negotiations with Raijor Dal were ongoing was “regrettable” and described the party’s action as a breach of trust in the negotiation process. “Unfortunate! Even as alliance talks were underway, the Congress unilaterally released its candidate list like this, displaying its unconstitutional nature. I felt bad about it,” he said.
The development comes as the Assembly elections are widely expected in April, though the Election Commission has not yet announced the official schedule. The timing of the candidate list has intensified tensions over seat-sharing arrangements that were anticipated to shape a broader anti-BJP coalition in the state.
Congress leaders responded by clarifying that, as of now, no formal alliance with Raijor Dal has been finalised, and that discussions were still ongoing. The party said efforts toward coordination had been made but acknowledged that negotiations had not produced a structured seat-sharing agreement.
The Congress also confirmed an understanding with the regional Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), indicating that selective regional alliances remain part of its electoral strategy. Political observers say the Congress’ early candidate announcement may complicate prospects for a united opposition front, increasing uncertainty as parties jockey for position ahead of the polls.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/assam-akhil-gogoi-slams-congress-over-release-of-candidate-list-calls-move-unfortunate-1354489-2026-03-03?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-03-03 23:10:00
