Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi on Sunday declared that the party would contest more than 100 seats in the 2026 Assam Assembly elections, firmly dismissing any possibility of an alliance with the All India United Democratic Front.
Addressing a massive rally in Sonitpur district to mark the 140th Foundation Day of the Indian National Congress, Gogoi said the Congress could even contest a few more seats beyond the 100 mark, while the remaining constituencies would be shared among other opposition partners. “There is zero per cent chance of any coalition with AIUDF. Congress will contest from over 100 seats,” he asserted.
Gogoi said discussions with opposition parties are moving in a positive direction and that a formal announcement on seat-sharing would be made once talks conclude. He noted that constructive meetings have already been held with several opposition leaders, including Raijor Dal chief Akhil Gogoi, and expressed confidence that opposition forces would unite for the elections.
The Congress leader also hit back at Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who had earlier claimed that the Congress would be left with only 22 seats to contest in 2026. Sarma had even named a few constituencies while projecting a landslide victory for the BJP-led alliance, which he said would contest 103 seats.
Rejecting the Chief Minister’s remarks, Gogoi accused Sarma of making “baseless and communal statements” to divert attention from unresolved public issues. Referring to comments allegedly linking him to Pakistan, Gogoi said the Chief Minister had stopped speaking about the ongoing trial connected to Assamese cultural icon Zubeen Garg and was instead raising unrelated allegations. He also questioned what he described as selective investigations, alleging that certain individuals with proximity to the ruling establishment were being spared.
Expressing confidence in the Congress’ prospects, Gogoi said the party was ready to lead a united opposition and form the next government in Assam. “We want to build a new Assam, and we are fully prepared to take responsibility once we come to power,” he said.
The rally, led by Gogoi, began from Rajiv Bhavan in Tezpur, passed through a six-kilometre stretch, and concluded at Jayamati Field, drawing large participation from party workers and supporters.
