In a significant political announcement, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Gaurav Gogoi declared on Sunday that the Congress party will contest in 100 out of the 126 assembly seats in the upcoming state elections. This statement, made during a public meeting in Tezpur on the party's 141st foundation day, has sent ripples through the eight-party opposition alliance, which is yet to finalize its crucial seat-sharing arrangement.
Alliance Dynamics Under Strain
Gaurav Gogoi clarified that the Congress's strategy to defeat the BJP involves forming alliances with like-minded parties. He stated that while the Congress would field candidates in 100 constituencies, the remaining seats would be allocated to alliance partners through mutual discussions. He also drew a firm line, asserting that a "communal party like the AIUDF" would not be included in the opposition coalition.
This preemptive announcement, coming ahead of formal seat-sharing talks expected in January, has placed other opposition allies in a difficult position. The alliance, finalized in November, includes Congress, Raijor Dal, Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), Anchalik Gana Morcha, CPM, CPI, CPI(ML), and the APHLC. Partners now fear that if Congress claims such a large share, many aspiring candidates from their own ranks will be left without a ticket to contest.
Allies Call for Respectful and Winnable Seat Distribution
Key opposition leaders have responded with caution, emphasizing unity and winnability over sheer numbers. Lurinjyoti Gogoi, the president of the Assam Jatiya Parishad, stressed that the seat-sharing agreement must be dignified and respectful for all parties involved. "To defeat BJP, seat sharing should be respectful for all alliance partners. Winnability factors must be kept in mind before giving tickets," he told TOI, adding that the number of seats should not be a pre-condition before finalizing the constituencies.
Echoing this sentiment, Raijor Dal president Akhil Gogoi underscored that defeating the BJP was the paramount objective, more important than the number of seats any single party contests. He pointed out that the Congress's decision to contest 100 seats was announced unilaterally, without prior discussion with other alliance partners. Akhil Gogoi stated that his party has not yet decided on its desired number of seats and would accept a consensus-based decision.
Potential Complications on the Horizon
The situation may become even more complex. Some opposition leaders have indicated that their share of seats could shrink further if a party active in the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) joins the alliance, a possibility that is currently being discussed. This adds another layer of negotiation to an already tense process.
As Assam gears up for the assembly polls early next year, the opposition's ability to present a united front hinges on navigating these delicate seat-sharing talks. The Congress's bold claim of 100 seats has set the stage for intense negotiations, testing the cohesion of the fledgling coalition whose primary goal is to unseat the ruling BJP government.
