Akhil Gogoi slams Congress for using Assam opposition alliance to gain constituency foothold

Akhil Gogoi, leader of the Raijor Dal has accused the Congress party of exploiting smaller parties to strengthen its foothold in constituencies where it has struggled. 

Gogoi made these remarks during a recent press conference, expressing his dissatisfaction with what he perceives as the Congress party's opportunistic approach.

Raijor Dal chief and Sivasagar MLA, Akhil Gogoi, has called for unified opposition efforts in the upcoming panchayat elections, emphasizing that such a strategy is crucial to defeating the BJP in the 2026 assembly elections. 

Speaking at a press conference, Gogoi expressed concerns over the Congress party's solo approach to elections, which he claimed undermines the opposition alliance’s chances of success.

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Gogoi highlighted the importance of contesting the panchayat polls as a united front to build grassroots momentum for the 2026 assembly elections. "If we fight the panchayat polls together, the workers of all 16 opposition parties will come together, creating a strong alliance ahead of the assembly elections," he said.

The MLA criticized the Congress party’s election strategy, accusing it of prioritizing its own interests over the alliance.

"Congress is simply using us to improve its position in constituencies where it has failed miserably, but they refuse to sacrifice seats for the opposition alliance," Gogoi claimed.

Directing his concerns to senior Congress leaders such as Bhupen Borah, Gaurav Gogoi, Pradyut Bordoloi, and Rakibul Hussain, Gogoi demanded clarity on Congress’s plans for the panchayat elections. "Is Congress going solo, or will it work towards the unity of the Assam opposition alliance?" he asked.

The panchayat elections will serve as a test of their ability to coordinate effectively and challenge the BJP’s dominance in the state. Observers see this as a critical moment for the opposition to build the momentum necessary for the 2026 assembly elections.