NewKerala.com

Assam Opposition Unity Talks Advance, Raijor Dal Claims Key Role

Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi states that opposition unity negotiations in Assam are progressing positively, with the Congress showing a forward step. He reveals that while Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi hasn't contacted him, senior leader Ripun Bora and AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi have been in communication. Gogoi emphasizes that Lurinjyoti Gogoi has assured him Raijor Dal will not be excluded from any opposition arrangement, underlining the party's demand for respect and issue-based understanding. Meanwhile, Congress leader Debabrata Saikia confirms talks are ongoing but no final alliance or seat-sharing decision has been made.

Key Points: Assam Alliance Talks: Raijor Dal Says No Front Without It

  • Positive opposition unity talks in Assam
  • Congress has taken a step forward
  • Raijor Dal insists on inclusion
  • AJP assures Raijor Dal's place in any alliance
  • No final decision on seat-sharing yet
2 min read

Talks are on, no opposition alliance can be formed without Raijor Dal: Akhil Gogoi

Akhil Gogoi says opposition unity talks are positive, but asserts any meaningful Assam poll alliance must include his Raijor Dal party.

"Lurinjyoti Gogoi has clearly conveyed that there will be no alliance without Raijor Dal. - Akhil Gogoi"

Guwahati, Feb 24

Raijor Dal leader and Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi on Tuesday said that opposition unity talks in Assam are moving in a positive direction, while asserting that no meaningful alliance can be formed for the Assembly polls by sidelining Raijor Dal.

Speaking to reporters, Gogoi said recent interactions with Congress leaders suggest a softening of earlier differences.

"Positive talks are going on regarding alliance. The Congress has taken a step forward," he said, indicating progress in negotiations for a broader opposition front.

Akhil Gogoi, however, pointed out that while Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has not directly contacted him so far, senior Congress leader and former Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Ripun Bora has been in touch.

"Though I have not received a call from Gaurav Gogoi, Ripun Bora has contacted me," he said, adding that informal communication between the parties is continuing.

He further said that Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) president Lurinjyoti Gogoi, whose party is an ally of the Congress in Assam, has been in constant touch with him regarding the alliance process.

According to Akhil Gogoi, Lurinjyoti Gogoi has assured him that Raijor Dal will not be excluded from any opposition arrangement.

"Lurinjyoti Gogoi has clearly conveyed that there will be no alliance without Raijor Dal," Akhil Gogoi said, underlining the party's insistence on respect, political space and issue-based understanding within any proposed coalition.

The opposition landscape in Assam has seen heightened political activity in recent weeks, with regional and national parties exploring the possibility of a united front to challenge the ruling BJP in the next Assembly elections.

Raijor Dal, which emerged from mass movements and grassroots activism, is considered a significant force, particularly in Upper Assam.

Earlier on Monday, Assam Legislative Assembly Opposition Leader Debabrata Saikia on Monday said that discussions are still underway with Akhil Gogoi led regional outfit Raijor Dal and no final decision has been taken so far regarding any alliance or seat-sharing arrangement.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the Congress Screening Committee in the national capital, Saikia urged all concerned to refrain from spreading misinformation on the issue.

"Talks with the Raijor Dal are continuing and no decision has been taken till now. I appeal to everyone not to indulge in any kind of misinformation," he said.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
While unity is important, this public posturing about "no alliance without us" feels a bit premature. All parties need to show some flexibility. The goal should be to defeat the incumbent, not to start with maximalist demands. 🤔 Let's hope the talks are more constructive behind the scenes.
R
Rohit P
Good! Raijor Dal represents the voice of the people from the movements. Congress cannot take the Assamese voter for granted anymore. They need these regional forces. Akhil Gogoi is right to insist on respect and a proper understanding.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to watch from a political strategy perspective. The mention of constant touch with AJP's Lurinjyoti Gogoi is key—it shows the regional parties might be coordinating their stance before dealing with the national party (Congress). Smart move.
V
Vikram M
All this talk is fine, but will they actually stick together after the elections? That's the real question. We've seen these mahagathbandans fall apart before. Voters need a stable alternative, not just a pre-poll arrangement of convenience.
M
Meera T
As someone from Upper Assam, I can say Raijor Dal's presence is strong here. Any alliance that ignores them will not work on the ground. Congress needs to understand the local dynamics better. Glad the talks are moving positively! 🙏

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50