Guwahati, Feb 25: Gaurav Gogoi, president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, on Wednesday acknowledged that alliance negotiations ahead of the Assembly elections remain a work in progress, with seat-sharing discussions with the Raijor Dal yet to be finalised.
Addressing reporters, Gogoi said dialogue with Raijor Dal and other parties was ongoing and that a detailed status report was being submitted to the Congress central leadership. He confirmed that the state unit was also seeking guidance from the high command to address hurdles that had surfaced during negotiations.
Without naming specific constituencies, Gogoi noted that Raijor Dal chief Akhil Gogoi had publicly flagged objections to certain seats under discussion. He said it was not the Congress party’s culture to speak openly about every development before consultations were completed, describing the party’s approach to alliance-building as disciplined.
Gogoi further indicated that the reported induction of former Congress leaders—previously expelled on disciplinary grounds—into Raijor Dal had created friction within party ranks. He said several Congress leaders were questioning how seat-sharing could proceed smoothly if tickets were allotted to such individuals, leaving the matter to public judgment.
In a candid remark, Gogoi admitted that although he had earlier been optimistic about forging a broader opposition understanding, the complexities of negotiations had reduced his room for manoeuvre. He said he would continue efforts to convince colleagues and the central leadership of the importance of unity ahead of the Assembly polls, but acknowledged feeling somewhat helpless amid the current strain.
