Guwahati, March 23: Gaurav Gogoi on March 23 filed his nomination papers from the Jorhat Assembly constituency, formally entering the fray in the Assam Assembly elections for the first time while launching an extensive outreach campaign ahead of polling.
The Congress leader, who currently serves as a Member of Parliament and deputy leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, began the day with visits to prominent religious sites across communities, including Jorhat Gurudwara, Burhi Gosain Devalaya, Machkhat Namghar and Tarajan Masjid, signalling a message centred on inclusivity and social harmony.
A large procession later accompanied him to the district commissioner’s office, where he submitted his nomination papers. The rally drew participation from supporters of the opposition alliance, including the Indian National Congress and its partners such as Raijor Dal, Assam Jatiyatabadi Party, CPI, CPI(M) and the All Party Hill Leaders Conference, reflecting a coordinated show of strength.
Addressing the media, Gogoi described the upcoming polls as an opportunity to “cleanse Assam politics”, alleging a decline in political standards in recent years. He emphasised the need to restore public trust and said a Congress-led government would ensure fair and equitable access to welfare schemes, particularly for women.
He also accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party of coercing beneficiaries to attend political programmes, a claim the party has denied. Gogoi asserted that welfare benefits are government entitlements and should not be linked to political affiliation.
Earlier in the day, he visited his family home in Nazira to pay tribute to his father, Tarun Gogoi, offering prayers before his portrait.
Gogoi is set to face a strong challenge from BJP veteran and sitting MLA Hitendranath Goswami, who has represented the constituency since 1991 and is seeking another term. Scrutiny of nominations will take place on March 24, with March 26 fixed as the last date for withdrawal. Polling for the 126-member Assam Assembly is scheduled for April 9, and counting will be held on May 4.
