Illegal infiltrators from Bangladesh is a serious issue in Assam: Gaurav Gogoi

Congress leader and Jorhat MP Gaurav Gogoi on March 31 underscored the ongoing challenges posed by illegal immigration from Bangladesh in Assam, stating that the NRC remains incomplete and that the state requires a government committed to the welfare of the masses rather than the profit of a few.

In an exclusive interview with India Today NE, Gogoi elaborated on the political scenario in Assam ahead of the Assembly elections, highlighting the formation of a strong opposition coalition. “This time, six parties have come together to form a very strong opposition, and this was the need of the hour. People wanted to see a united opposition, something that we could not provide in the last assembly election, due to which BJP won close to 17–18 seats because of the fragmentation of the opposition votes, specifically in Upper Assam. This time that has been prevented,” he said.

Gogoi described the alliance—a combination of the Congress, Raijor Dal, Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), CPM, CPIML, and APHLC—as a “rainbow coalition” of parties, personalities, and ideologies. He said the chemistry among leaders and voters gives hope for a positive outcome on May 4, adding that the coalition represents a vision for a “Notun Bor Assam” where politics would be progressive and inclusive, with a focus on education, culture, women, and the elderly.

Addressing recent controversies, Gogoi referred to Bhupen Borah, who admitted to being a spy, and Pradyut Bordoloi’s exit, anticipated by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. “On a lighter note, if someone says I (referring to Bhupen Borah) could no longer be a spy because of the party president, I think he is giving a compliment to me. But more importantly, these are bound to happen,” he said. He accused the BJP of using similar tactics in the previous Lok Sabha election to weaken Congress in Jorhat, which ultimately had the opposite effect.

Gogoi pointed out that recent defections from Congress to BJP have created internal divisions within the ruling party, while new faces in Congress—including 13 women and more than 20 candidates under 40—have strengthened the opposition’s prospects. He also highlighted the induction of BJP leaders like Nandita Garosa from Dima Hasao, calling her a “strong voice of the tribes” that reinforces Congress’s outreach among indigenous communities.

On the Chief Minister’s political presence in Jorhat, Gogoi said, “All I can say is that post the Lok Sabha results, he said he would no longer contest the assembly elections from Jorhat. I myself was not a candidate for this assembly election. I am a sitting member of the Lok Sabha. The party has given me the great responsibility of participating.”

Gogoi’s comments reflect a dual focus: addressing Assam’s demographic and security concerns, including illegal immigration, and positioning Congress as a credible, united alternative in the upcoming elections. He emphasised that a government committed to the people’s welfare is essential for the state, particularly in handling sensitive issues like the NRC and protection of indigenous communities.