Guwahati, Feb 26: Newly joined Raijor Dal leader Sherman Ali Ahmed has announced that he will contest the upcoming Assembly elections from the Mandia constituency, asserting that his decision is final regardless of any opposition alliance.
Speaking to reporters, Sherman Ali said he was unconcerned about ongoing alliance negotiations and would contest from Mandia whether or not a seat-sharing arrangement materialises. He said his decision was non-negotiable and added that he was least bothered about alliance discussions.
His remarks were seen as a direct challenge to Congress leaders, including Abdul Khaleque and Gaurav Gogoi. Questioning the opposition’s seriousness in taking on the BJP, Sherman Ali asked whether Congress leaders were genuinely working to unseat the ruling party or merely engaging in rhetoric. He also expressed scepticism over the effectiveness of a united front, claiming that even a consolidated alliance might struggle to defeat the BJP.
In a sharp attack, he alleged that Abdul Khaleque was the “real agent of BJP,” escalating tensions within opposition ranks. Dismissing Gaurav Gogoi’s relevance to his electoral plans, Sherman Ali reiterated that he would contest from Mandia irrespective of external opinions.
The statement comes amid efforts to forge opposition unity in Assam, but his declaration underscores internal divisions that could complicate seat-sharing negotiations ahead of the polls.
