Assam Elections: Gogoi Highlights Illegal Infiltration, Pushes United Opposition
Gaurav Gogoi flags illegal infiltration, incomplete NRC ahead Assam polls.
Congress leader and Jorhat MP Gaurav Gogoi has highlighted illegal infiltration from Bangladesh as a serious issue in Assam, emphasizing that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) process remains incomplete and requires a government committed to public welfare. Speaking ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, Gogoi stressed the need for governance focused on the welfare of the masses rather than the profit of a few.
Gogoi also underscored the emergence of a united opposition front in the state, asserting that six parties have come together to form a “very strong opposition,” correcting the fragmentation that, he claimed, benefited the BJP in the previous Assembly polls. “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… This time that has been prevented,” he said, referring to the consolidation of votes, particularly in Upper Assam.
The alliance comprises the Indian National Congress, Raijor Dal, Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), CPM, CPI(ML), and APHLC, which Gogoi described as a “rainbow coalition” representing diverse ideologies and social groups. According to him, the coalition reflects a vision for a “Notun Bor Assam,” promoting inclusive politics centred on education, culture, women, and the elderly.
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Addressing recent controversies within the Congress, Gogoi referred to remarks involving state president Bhupen Borah and developments around senior leader Pradyut Bordoloi, calling such incidents “bound to happen” while alleging that similar tactics were previously used by the BJP to weaken the party in Jorhat. He also noted that defections from Congress to the BJP had triggered internal divisions but maintained that new entrants had strengthened the opposition. The party has fielded 13 women candidates and over 20 candidates under the age of 40.
Gogoi highlighted outreach among indigenous communities, citing the induction of leaders such as Nandita Garosa from Dima Hasao as a strong tribal voice. He also commented on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s presence in Jorhat, noting that post-Lok Sabha results, Sarma indicated he would not contest the assembly elections from the constituency.
Gogoi concluded by reiterating that addressing illegal immigration and completing the NRC remain critical for Assam, alongside ensuring inclusive development and protection of indigenous interests, positioning the united opposition as a credible alternative to the ruling party in the upcoming polls.
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