Guwahati’s political circles are buzzing with uncertainty over the fragile opposition alliance ahead of Assam’s assembly elections. In a significant development, two major regional parties, Raijor Dal and Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), held a crucial closed-door meeting on Thursday without inviting the Congress, casting shadows on the much-touted united front against the ruling BJP.
The meeting, attended by Raijor Dal chief and MLA Akhil Gogoi, AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi, and senior leaders from both parties, also saw representatives from the Communist Party of India (CPI) and CPI (Marxist). Discussions centered on seat-sharing arrangements and future strategies for opposition coordination, signaling a potential non-Congress bloc gaining momentum.
Sources reveal that the agenda was laser-focused on finalizing seat allocations amid ongoing turmoil in the opposition camp, exacerbated by the recent resignation of Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bhupen Borah. This absence of Congress has deepened the rift, highlighting growing distrust among allies.
Post-meeting, Akhil Gogoi issued a stern ultimatum to Congress, demanding clarity on seat-sharing within 48 hours. ‘If Congress is serious about unity, they must spell out their stance immediately. We can’t wait indefinitely,’ he declared, adding that Raijor Dal is prepared to contest 46 seats independently if needed.
While doors for broader unity aren’t fully shut, leaders emphasized that Congress’s response will dictate next steps. Political analysts view this exclusion as a symptom of leadership instability within state Congress, potentially weakening the opposition’s challenge to BJP’s dominance.
As the BJP ramps up its campaign machinery, the opposition’s internal discord over seats and leadership could prove costly. The coming days will be pivotal in determining whether a cohesive anti-BJP front emerges or if parties go solo into the electoral fray.