‘Will build Assam sans dominance of muscle power, money & intimidation’

Assam is in the throes of a high-decibel election season, with the Congress-led six-party opposition alliance mounting a direct challenge to BJP and its three allies. This contest could redefine the state’s political landscape and shape the future of Congress itself.

At the centre of this battle is Assam Congress president and the leading face of the opposition, Gaurav Gogoi.The ElectionThis election is about building a Natun Bor Asom — a new Assam free from the dominance of one man who has ruled the state’s politics for 25 years through muscle, money and intimidation.The opposition has united to prevent vote fragmentation and present a viable alternative. It is also about cleansing Assam’s politics of divisiveness and fear, and ushering in progressive politics that puts power back in the hands of the people.

Oppn AllianceLast time, BJP gained upper Assam due to fragmented opposition votes. That is why opposition parties have now united in a greater alliance against Himanta Biswa Sarma. AIUDF, often acting as his B team — most recently backing BJP in the Rajya Sabha polls — remains off limits. Congress has grown stronger with defections from BJP. In contrast, Himanta’s rise has sidelined veteran BJP leaders. This election is not simply Congress versus BJP, but old Congress under Himanta versus a new, vibrant Congress backed by allies.

Pakistan LinksHimanta Biswa Sarma is known for making irresponsible and nonsensical remarks, like saying Rahul Gandhi had a body double or telling voters not to support him if he cannot give justice to Zubeen Garg. He even went on to call me an agent of a foreign country, despite me sitting in the Lok Sabha for the last 10 years.So, his words need to be taken with a pinch of salt. They are mainly meant to grab headlines and one should not pay too much attention to the CM’s remarks.Infrastructure GainsThe roads, bridges and flyovers being built are not guided by public priorities, but by wealthy contractors close to the BJP. Our approach will be bottom-up — citizens will decide where flyovers, embankments or railway links are needed. Infrastructure priorities must be defined by the people, not a handful of contractors.Land PattaThe reality in this case is quite different. BJP is not giving any land pattas.

They are only distributing mere forms and portraying them to be as land pattas. We are in for a genuine land policy, in which, poor and landless get their due rights.State’s AffairsIn healthcare and education, the state has really suffered under the rule of Himanta Biswa Sarma. We were in the bottom five states as per Niti Aayog. Our top universities were at one point among the top 10. Those central universities are no longer in the top 10.

So we want to focus a lot on both secondary, primary and higher education.Jorhat TurfI’m fully committed to delivering a Congress-led govt on May 4, 2026. That is what I’m committed to. I am grateful to the people of Jorhat, who elected me as the local member of Parliament in the last Lok Sabha elections. This is not my home seat. I was contesting from a different seat for the past 10 years. But on my third attempt, I came to Jorhat and the people of Jorhat showed me a lot of support.

I’m confident that we will be able to secure their faith, trust and support once again in the upcoming assembly elections.OpponentNo doubt it’s a tough election. My opponent Hitendra Nath Goswami’s resume speaks for itself. Former speaker, former minister, and an MLA for several terms. Someone who knows Jorhat very well. But as a leader I have to take on tough challenges. I have to lead from the front and I’m confident of a victory.