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Congress Allocates 11 Seats to Raijor Dal in Crucial Assam Polls Alliance

The Indian National Congress has finalized a seat-sharing agreement with the Akhil Gogoi-led Raijor Dal for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, allocating 11 constituencies to the regional party. The deal is seen as a crucial step to consolidate opposition votes against the ruling BJP. Congress state chief Gaurav Gogoi stated the alliance aims to provide a credible alternative and urged other like-minded parties to join. The pact is expected to shape electoral dynamics, especially in Upper Assam where both parties have a strong presence.

Key Points: Congress-Raijor Dal Seat-Sharing Deal for Assam Elections

  • Congress gives 11 seats to Raijor Dal
  • Aim to consolidate anti-BJP votes
  • Friendly contests in 2 constituencies
  • Polling on April 9, counting May 4
2 min read

Assam polls: Congress seals alliance with Akhil Gogoi-led Raijor Dal, to give 11 seats

Congress seals alliance with Akhil Gogoi's Raijor Dal, giving 11 seats to consolidate anti-BJP votes ahead of Assam Assembly polls.

"a united opposition would be better positioned to challenge the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government - Gaurav Gogoi"

Guwahati, March 20

In a significant boost to opposition unity ahead of the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, the Indian National Congress and Raijor Dal on Friday have finalised a seat-sharing arrangement, with the Congress agreeing to allocate 11 constituencies to Akhil Gogoi-led regional outfit.

According to the agreement, Raijor Dal will contest from Sivasagar, Dalgaon, Dhing, Sissiborgaon, Digboi, Bokakhat, Manas, Tezpur, Kaliabor, Margherita, and Mariani constituencies.

The understanding is being seen as a crucial step towards consolidating anti-BJP votes in the state.

In addition to the allocated seats, both parties have agreed to engage in "friendly contests" in Goalpara East and Gauripur constituencies, where candidates from both the Congress and Raijor Dal will be in the fray.

The development comes amid ongoing efforts by opposition parties in Assam to forge a broader alliance to take on the ruling BJP in the upcoming polls.

Speaking to reporters here, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president and Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi said that there is a growing demand among the people for opposition parties to unite in order to provide a credible alternative to the incumbent government.

He said the Congress is currently engaged in alliance and seat-sharing discussions with Raijor Dal, Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), the CPI(M), and the CPI(Marxist-Leninist) Liberation.

Gogoi urged other like-minded parties to come together, asserting that a united opposition would be better positioned to challenge the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government in the state.

He further said that the proposed alliance aims to ensure inclusive development, safeguard land rights of the people, and work towards building a "new Assam".

The Congress-Raijor Dal pact could play a key role in shaping the electoral dynamics in several constituencies, particularly in Upper Assam, where both parties have a notable presence.

Polling for the 126-member Assembly will take place on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Good move by Congress. Akhil Gogoi has a lot of credibility, especially among the youth and those concerned about land rights. Allocating 11 seats shows they are serious about the partnership. Let's see if this translates into votes on the ground. 🤞
A
Aman W
Seat-sharing is one thing, but will they be able to transfer votes to each other? Congress and Raijor Dal supporters are quite different. The "friendly contest" in two seats is a red flag – shows there's still some internal friction. Hope they sort it out.
S
Sarah B
As an observer, this seems like a pragmatic alliance. Consolidating the anti-incumbency vote is crucial in a first-past-the-post system. If they can bring in AJP and the Left parties too, it will be a formidable coalition. The focus on land rights is a key issue in Assam.
K
Karthik V
All this 'mahagathbandhan' talk is fine, but what about a clear vision for Assam's economy and job creation? Just being 'anti-BJP' is not enough. Voters need to know what positive change this alliance will bring. The manifesto will be critical.
M
Meera T
This is promising news for a balanced democracy. A strong opposition keeps any government on its toes. Akhil Gogoi's commitment to people's issues is well-known. Hoping this partnership works for the benefit of Assam's future. Joi Aai Axom! 🙏

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