Assam polls: "Announced seats for our alliance partners", says Gaurav Gogoi
Guwahati, March 15
Assam Congress President Gaurav Gogoi on Sunday said that the Congress is gearing up for the Assam assembly elections, dates for which will be announced by the Election Commission later today.
The Congress leader said that they have announced seats for their alliance partners.
Gogoi told ANI, "In view of the Assam Legislative Assembly elections, the Congress Party has announced the second list for 23 seats. Along with this, we have also announced seats for our alliance partners, various regions, and national left-wing parties on 15 seats..."
Yesterday, the party released its second list of candidates for the state polls, announcing 23 names, bringing the total tally to 65 out of 126 state assembly seats.
The party has announced that the three-time MP Gaurav Gogoi will be the party nominee from the Jorhat constituency.
The Congress said that 15 constituencies, including Bhowanipur-Sorbhoog, Bajali, Palasbari, Guwahati Central, Goreswar, Morigaon and Barhampur, have been left for alliance partners.
In the new list, the party has fielded former MP Abdul Khaleque from Mandia. Among other candidates, Kartik Chandra Ray has been named from Golakganj, Wazed Ali Choudhury from Birsing Jarua, Amrit Badsha from Bilasipara and Mohibur Rohman from Mankachar. Abul Kalam Rasheed Alam will contest from Goalpara East, while Kishor Kumar Brahma has been nominated from Dudhnoi (ST).
Nurul Islam has been fielded from Srijangram, Rakibuddin Ahmed from Chamaria and Pranjit Choudhury from Rangia. Kishore Kumar Baruah will contest from Dimoria (SC), while Santanu Borah has been named the candidate from New Guwahati.
The party has also announced Rijumoni Talukdar from Mangaldai, Jhilli Choudhury from Hojai, Batash Urang from Dhekiajuli and Kartik Chandra Kurmi from Rangapara. Dr Sankar Jyoti Kutum will contest from Gohpur, while Sailen Sonowal has been fielded from Dhemaji (ST).
Further, Devid Phukan will contest from Tinsukia, Bipul Gogoi from Tingkhong, Sagorika Bora from Dergaon and Dhrubjyoti Purkayastha from Dholai (SC). Aminur Rashid Choudhury has been nominated from Karimganj South.
In the 2021 elections, the NDA, comprising the BJP, AGP and United People's Party Liberal (UPPL), won 75 seats. The BJP is the largest partner in the alliance with 60 seats. Voter turnout was as high as 86.2 per cent with over 2. 2 crore registered voters in 2021.
In the 2016 Assembly elections, the BJP put up a strong show and won 60 seats, and the Congress secured 26 seats. The AIDUF won 13 seats. The voter turnout for the 126 state assembly constituencies was high at 83.9 per cent. As many as 199,47, 690 voters exercised their franchise in these elections.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Interesting to see the seat-sharing details. Leaving 15 seats for allies shows they're serious about the 'Mahajot'. But will it be enough to challenge the NDA's well-oiled machine? The 2021 results were quite decisive.
As someone from Jorhat, I'm glad Gaurav Gogoi is contesting from here. He's a familiar face. But honestly, I wish announcements focused more on what they'll do for Assam's youth and jobs, rather than just seat lists. 🤔 That's what we really need to hear.
The candidate list seems diverse, covering different regions and communities. That's important for a state like Assam. Hope this translates into a constructive campaign on issues like flood management and economic development, not just rhetoric.
With due respect, the Congress's strategy feels reactive. Announcing seats for allies is basic politics. The real question is, after their poor show since 2016, what new ideas are they bringing to the table? The people of Assam deserve a clear alternative, not just an alliance.
The voter turnout numbers mentioned are impressive—over 86%! That's democracy in action. Parties should honor that engagement by focusing on governance and development promises in their manifestos.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.