With the Assam Assembly elections approaching, alliance negotiations within the Opposition camp appear to be facing internal strain. Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president and Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi acknowledged that seat-sharing discussions, particularly with Raijor Dal, remain unresolved.
Speaking in Guwahati, Gogoi confirmed that talks are ongoing but said the process has not been smooth. He stated that the state unit has submitted updates to the Congress central leadership and sought guidance on navigating emerging hurdles.
APCC president Gaurav Gogoi has said seat-sharing talks between Congress and Raijor Dal ahead of the Assam Assembly elections are still unresolved. Speaking in Guwahati, he confirmed that discussions are ongoing, but internal objections and differences over constituency allocation continue to complicate negotiations.
Seat-Sharing Talks Still Unsettled
Addressing reporters, Gogoi said discussions with Raijor Dal and other potential alliance partners are continuing. However, he indicated that differences over seat allocation remain unresolved.
Talks are on. We are consulting our leaders and the central leadership,” Gogoi said, without naming specific constituencies currently under discussion.
He added that a detailed update has been sent to the Congress high command in Delhi.
Guwahati at the Centre of Political Consultations
The developments are significant for Guwahati, which has become the focal point of high-level meetings and internal consultations. Party workers in the city have recently expressed concerns over possible seat-sharing arrangements, particularly regarding sensitive constituencies.
Earlier protests outside Gogoi’s residence at Ajanta Path highlighted grassroots unease over alliance negotiations. While the party leadership has not announced final decisions, the visible discontent in Guwahati underscores the political sensitivity of seat allocation discussions.
Internal Discomfort Over Inducted Leaders
One of the key concerns raised within Congress ranks involves the induction of former Congress leaders previously expelled on disciplinary grounds into Raijor Dal.
Gogoi acknowledged that this issue has caused discomfort among party leaders. According to him, several members have questioned how a “peaceful” seat-sharing formula can be worked out if tickets are allocated to individuals who were earlier removed from Congress.
He emphasised that Congress follows a consultative internal process before making public announcements.
“You all know he reveals everything before the media. But it is not our party culture to speak about anything and everything in public. We speak only after due consultation and discussion with party leaders,” Gogoi said.
Partial Agreement, More Talks Pending
Gogoi disclosed that Congress has already finalised a seat-sharing arrangement with one political party. However, talks with another key regional player are still underway.
He did not specify timelines for concluding negotiations.
What Happens Next?
The Congress central leadership is expected to review inputs from the Assam unit before finalising any alliance framework.
With Assembly elections nearing, clarity on seat-sharing will be crucial for Opposition coordination across Assam, including in politically significant constituencies in and around Guwahati.
Further announcements are likely once consultations conclude.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Gaurav Gogoi say about alliance talks?
He said seat-sharing discussions with Raijor Dal and other partners are ongoing but unresolved, and that the matter has been referred to the Congress central leadership.
Why is there tension within Congress in Assam?
Internal objections have emerged over constituency allocation and the induction of former Congress leaders into Raijor Dal, creating discomfort among party workers and leaders.