Guwahati: In a significant political development ahead of the 2026 Assam Assembly elections, the Congress has joined hands with seven regional and Left parties to build a united opposition front aimed at dislodging the BJP-led government.
The initiative took form during a high-level meeting convened at the Congress Legislature Party office in Guwahati on Wednesday.
The discussion, chaired by Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president and Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi, saw participation from AICC general secretary Jitendra Singh and leaders of Raijor Dal, Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), Anchalik Gana Morcha, CPI, CPM, CPI(ML), and APHLC.
After nearly two hours of deliberations, the parties agreed in principle to contest the next Assembly elections together.
“This is not merely a political pact but a collective people’s movement to restore democracy and accountability in Assam,” Jitendra Singh said.
Describing the alliance as a “resolve to free Assam from fear and corruption,” Gogoi announced a state-wide outreach programme titled ‘Raijor Padulit, Raijor Congress’ — a campaign designed to engage directly with citizens across tea estates, tribal villages, and rural communities.
“Our leaders won’t just visit — they’ll stay and listen to the people,” he said.
The Congress also revealed plans for public consultations involving economists, writers, and civic groups, alongside new measures to ensure clean elections.
Booth Level Agents (BLAs) have reportedly been appointed in 90% of the state’s 29,000 polling stations.
To reinforce the spirit of cultural unity, Gogoi announced a special event, ‘Kanchanjungha – Sanskriti Houk Maitriyor Mantra’ (Culture as the Mantra of Harmony), to be held in Guwahati on November 18 in memory of late singer Zubeen Garg.
A state-wide Nahor tree plantation drive will also be held in his honour.
Leaders from other opposition parties hailed the meeting as a turning point.
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“This unity is essential to safeguard Assam’s identity and future,” said AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi. CPI(M) MLA Manoranjan Talukdar added, “The Chief Minister’s discomfort shows we’re moving in the right direction.”
Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia described the gathering as “the first solid step toward a common 2026 vision,” stressing that the alliance intends to “learn from past mistakes and move forward with strategy and purpose.”
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, however, dismissed the opposition efforts with a trademark jibe, likening the meeting to “a TV serial” that replays the same drama of disagreements and reconciliations.
“The NDA doesn’t need such theatrics,” he quipped.
Despite the sarcasm, the renewed unity among the opposition marks the first serious attempt since 2021 to form a cohesive anti-BJP front in Assam.
The development signals the beginning of what could become a defining political contest in the run-up to 2026.
