Guwahati: In a strategic move ahead of the upcoming Panchayat elections, the Assam Congress has authorized its District Congress Committee (DCC) Presidents to independently decide whether to contest the elections solo or form alliances with other anti-BJP parties.
Announced by Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Bhupen Borah, this approach reflects the party’s emphasis on decentralized decision-making and grassroots consultation.
Bhupen Borah stressed the importance of engaging local party workers and leaders in the decision-making process, directing DCC leaders to consult widely before finalizing their strategies.
Additionally, the district leaders have been instructed to communicate their decisions regarding alliances to the APCC promptly.
This announcement follows recent remarks by Akhil Gogoi, leader of the Raijor Dal, who accused the Congress of exploiting smaller parties to bolster its position in areas where it has historically struggled. Gogoi’s criticisms, made during a December 2024 press conference, highlighted his dissatisfaction with the Congress’s electoral tactics and called for a more unified opposition effort.
Gogoi, also the Sivasagar MLA, reiterated his appeal for opposition unity, emphasizing that collaborative strategies in the Panchayat elections are vital to defeating the BJP in the 2026 assembly elections. He expressed concerns that the Congress’s inclination to pursue elections independently could weaken the opposition alliance’s prospects of success.
As political tensions rise, the Assam Congress’s move to grant autonomy to district leaders may provide flexibility in crafting localized strategies. However, the challenge of maintaining opposition unity while balancing party interests remains a key test for both the Congress and its allies.
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