Assam: Akhil Gogoi extends support to Gaurav Gogoi, calls for unified opposition against BJP in 2026

Raijor Dal President Akhil Gogoi extended his congratulations to Gaurav Gogoi on his recent appointment as the President of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC). Speaking at a press conference held in Sivasagar, Akhil Gogoi also advocated for a unified opposition to counter the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state.

“We congratulate Gaurav Gogoi on his new role. For BJP to be defeated in 2026, all opposition parties must join hands,” said Gogoi, proposing a deadline of May 30 to finalize discussions regarding a potential Congress–Raijor Dal alliance.

Responding to BJP's accusations surrounding Gaurav Gogoi’s alleged visit to Pakistan and his wife's purported links to the country, Akhil Gogoi challenged the government to act if any evidence exists.

“If there are any Pakistani links, the government must take legal action. We have the Prime Minister, the Home Ministry, the External Affairs Ministry, the Assam Police why haven’t they acted yet? If not, these allegations are nothing more than political propaganda, akin to the politicization of the Bangladeshi issue in Assam,” he said.

Addressing the recent arrest of youth leader Shankar Baruah in connection with the Duliajan incident, Akhil Gogoi criticized the manner in which the arrest was conducted.

“He is an indigenous youth. The use of handcuffs was completely unnecessary. Under BJP’s regime, indigenous youths are being harassed by outsiders,” he said, urging Baruah to stay away from avoidable controversies.

Gogoi also reminded that Baruah had previously distanced himself from the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) due to a separate controversy and cautioned that repeated involvement in such matters could harm his political career.

Akhil Gogoi took a firm stance on the issue of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, accusing the BJP-led government of inaction. “The number of deportations has been lowest under the BJP rule. Deportation should take place, but without exploiting the issue for political benefit,” he said.

Dismissing BJP’s claims that Congress’ choice of Gaurav Gogoi as APCC chief indicates a 'pro-Pakistan' stance, Gogoi said, “These remarks are baseless and driven by political desperation.”