In a major political announcement, Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi declared on Sunday that the Indian National Congress will field its own candidates in 100 out of the 126 Assembly constituencies in the state during the crucial 2026 elections. The remaining seats will be contested by the party's allies from the opposition bloc.
Congress's Electoral Strategy and Alliance Stand
Gogoi made this significant declaration during an event in Tezpur commemorating the 141st Foundation Day of the Indian National Congress. He emphasized that the Congress, along with other opposition parties, would present a united front to challenge the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
"We have resolved that with the other Opposition parties, we will all go forward unitedly in the coming Legislative Assembly election," Gogoi stated. "Our decision is that the Congress will contest in 100 seats with its own candidates and that the other seats will be divided among the other Opposition parties through discussion and consultation."
In a clear message, the state Congress chief also reiterated the party's firm position of ruling out any electoral alliance with the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF). This stance is seen as a strategic move to consolidate a broader anti-BJP vote base beyond a specific community.
Key Promise: A Law Against Religious Hatred
Setting the agenda for the party's campaign, Gogoi pledged that a Congress government in Assam would enact a separate, stringent law to take strict action against individuals and groups spreading religious hatred.
Positioning the Congress as a party of unity in contrast to the BJP, Gogoi said, "The Congress believes in peace and unity, while the BJP thrives on unrest and division. The Congress has faith in the Constitution, whereas the BJP seeks to destroy democracy."
He invoked Assam's syncretic heritage, stating, "In the Assam of Sankardeva-Madhavdeva and Ajan Pir, divisive forces will never be tolerated." He assured that places of worship of all faiths—churches, namghars, temples, and mosques—would be protected, and any attempt to desecrate them would face punitive action.
Background of a Fragile Opposition Unity
Gogoi's announcement comes against the backdrop of a rocky history of opposition unity efforts in Assam. Attempts to build a consolidated anti-BJP front began in 2023 under then-state chief Bhupen Borah and saw some success during the Lok Sabha elections.
However, this unity collapsed ahead of the Assembly bypolls in November last year due to disagreements over seat-sharing. A subsequent attempt to revive the alliance earlier this year also failed before the panchayat polls.
Currently, fresh efforts are underway to stitch together an alliance with regional parties and Left factions, including the Asom Jatiya Parishad (AJP), Raijor Dol, CPI(M), and CPI(ML). The Congress's declaration of contesting 100 seats is a starting point for negotiations with these potential partners for the remaining 26 seats.
The battle for Assam is set to be a key political contest in 2026, with the Congress aiming to reclaim power by promising to restore dignity, peace, and constitutional values, anchored by a strong legislative measure against hate speech.
