Guwahati, March 7: Akhil Gogoi, chief of Raijor Dal, on March 6 posted a cryptic message on social media that has triggered speculation about the future of his party’s discussions with the Indian National Congress ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in Assam.
Writing in Assamese, Gogoi posted the line “সৰ্বশেষ চেষ্টাও ব্যৰ্থ,” which roughly translates to “the final attempt also failed.” The brief remark has prompted political observers to speculate that talks over a possible electoral alliance between Raijor Dal and the Congress may not have progressed as expected.
The post came at a time when the Congress and several opposition parties have announced plans to begin joint campaign meetings across the state. Addressing a press conference, Gaurav Gogoi, president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, said the party is currently working with the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Assam Jatiya Parishad and the All Party Hill Leaders’ Conference to form a broader opposition front.
He added that discussions were also ongoing with other parties, including Raijor Dal, and expressed hope that the grouping would expand further in the coming days. “From now on, we will undertake joint campaign meetings across the state. Discussions on some probable locations in Upper Assam have already taken place, and we will discuss other parts as well,” he said.
The opposition alliance has not yet finalised its seat-sharing arrangement, although friendly contests in a few constituencies are considered likely. The Congress has already announced candidates for 42 seats.
Gaurav Gogoi said the Assembly elections are expected to be held before the festival of Bohag Bihu in mid-April, making the coming weeks crucial for opposition parties. He noted that although discussions on a joint contest had taken place earlier, parties had been occupied with organisational work and the special revision of electoral rolls.
“We felt that it was time we took our views together to the public. Hence, we will launch the joint campaign from now on,” said Gogoi, who has been named the Congress candidate from the Jorhat Assembly constituency.
Responding to queries about whether more parties might join the alliance, he said talks were still underway. “We are sending a clear message that from today, we are coming together. But our doors are open, and we are in talks with others also,” he said.
Lurinjyoti Gogoi, president of the Assam Jatiya Parishad, said the four parties had joined hands to send a message that they are united in their effort to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party. Suprakash Talukdar, state secretary of the CPI(M), described the alliance as a “good beginning” that needs to be strengthened, while Jones Ingti Kathar, chief of the All Party Hill Leaders’ Conference, said the move was aimed at addressing issues faced by people, particularly in the hill areas.
In the 126-member Assam Legislative Assembly, the BJP currently holds 64 seats, while its allies — the Asom Gana Parishad, United People’s Party Liberal and the Bodoland People’s Front — have nine, seven and three MLAs respectively. The Congress has 26 legislators, the All India United Democratic Front has 15, and the CPI(M) has one member along with one Independent legislator.
