Illegal infiltration from Bangladesh remains a serious issue in Assam, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi said, asserting that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) process is still incomplete and requires a government committed to public welfare.
In an interview ahead of the Assembly elections, the Jorhat MP said the state needs governance focused on the “welfare of the masses rather than the profit of a few”, while flagging concerns over illegal immigration.
Gogoi highlighted the emergence of a united opposition front, stating that six parties have come together to form a “very strong opposition”, correcting the fragmentation that, he claimed, benefited the BJP in the previous Assembly polls.
“This time, six parties have come together to form a very strong opposition, and this was the need of the hour. People wanted to see a united opposition… This time that has been prevented,” he said, referring to the consolidation of votes, particularly in Upper Assam.
He described the alliance, comprising the Indian National Congress, Raijor Dal, Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), CPM, CPI(ML) and APHLC, as a “rainbow coalition” representing diverse ideologies and social groups. According to Gogoi, the coalition reflects a vision of a “Notun Bor Assam”, promising progressive and inclusive politics centred on education, culture, women and the elderly.
Also read: Congress to bring pro-infiltrator law: PM alleges in Assam
Addressing recent controversies, Gogoi referred to remarks involving state Congress president Bhupen Borah and developments around senior leader Pradyut Bordoloi. “On a lighter note, if someone says I… could no longer be a spy because of the party president, I think he is giving a compliment to me. But more importantly, these are bound to happen,” he said, alleging that similar tactics were used by the BJP in the past to weaken the Congress in Jorhat.
He also pointed to defections from Congress to the BJP, claiming they had triggered internal divisions within the ruling party, while asserting that new entrants had strengthened the opposition. Gogoi noted that the party has fielded 13 women candidates and more than 20 candidates under the age of 40.
Highlighting outreach among indigenous communities, he cited the induction of leaders such as Nandita Garosa from Dima Hasao, calling her a strong tribal voice.
On Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s political presence in Jorhat, Gogoi said, “All I can say is that post the Lok Sabha results, he said he would no longer contest the assembly elections from Jorhat.”
Gogoi maintained that addressing illegal immigration and completing the NRC remain critical for Assam, alongside ensuring inclusive development and protection of indigenous interests.
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