Guwahati: Even as the Congress and Raijor Dal continue exchanging statements and counter-statements over whether they have formed an alliance, the second list of candidates released by both parties on Saturday has added a new dimension to the political conversation (Congress–Raijor Dal Understanding).
The Congress announced candidates for 23 constituencies in its second list. These constituencies include Golakganj, Birsing Jarua, Mankachar, Goalpara East, Dudhnai (ST), Srijangram, Mandia, Bilasipara, Chamaria, Rangia, Dimoria (SC), New Guwahati, Mangaldoi, Hojai, Dhekiajuli, Rangapara, Gohpur, Dhemaji (ST), Tinsukia, Tingkhong, Dergaon, Dhalai, and Karimganj South.
At the same time, the party left 15 Assembly constituencies for other parties in the opposition alliance. These include Bhawanipur–Sarbhog, Bajali, Palasbari, Guwahati Central, Goreswar, Morigaon, Barhampur, Binnakandi, Bihali (SC), Sadiya, Dibrugarh, Khowang, Sarupathar, Diphu (SC), and Amari (SC).
Meanwhile, the Raijor Dal announced candidates for only two constituencies in its second list — Naoboicha and Dhemaji.
Earlier, the Congress had released its first list of candidates for 42 Assembly constituencies, while the Raijor Dal had announced candidates for 11 constituencies in its first list.
It is noteworthy that the Raijor Dal released its first list one day after the Congress announced its first list. Similarly, the Raijor Dal released its second list on the same day the Congress announced its second list.
Claims of alliance talks ending
On March 13, the Raijor Dal issued a press statement saying that talks over a possible alliance between the Congress and Raijor Dal had ended.
According to the statement, the discussions broke down because the Congress did not directly leave the Dhing, Ranganadi, and Dalgaon constituencies for the Raijor Dal. The party also alleged that during a high-level Congress meeting on alliances held on March 13, it was decided that Ranganadi and Dalgaon would not be given to the Raijor Dal.
However, in an interesting development, Congress did not mention these two constituencies in its second list of candidates, despite the Raijor Dal’s allegations.
Dhing constituency still unresolved
The Dhing Assembly constituency in Nagaon district has become a key point of contention between the two parties.
The Raijor Dal had already announced its candidate for Dhing in its first list. Yet, the Congress has not named a candidate for Dhing in either of its two lists so far.
According to sources, the Congress may ultimately leave the Dhing constituency for the Raijor Dal.
Other constituencies where Congress has not named candidates
Two other important constituencies for the Raijor Dal are Mariani and Naoboicha.
From Mariani, Dr. Gyanashree Bora is contesting as the Raijor Dal candidate. Bora resigned from her position as an Assistant Professor before joining the party and entering the electoral fray from this constituency. Notably, the Congress has not announced any candidate for Mariani either.
Similarly, Harikanta Das is contesting as the Raijor Dal candidate from Naoboicha, and this constituency too does not appear in the Congress candidate list.
Candidate placements and adjustments
In its first list, the Raijor Dal had also announced candidates for Tezpur and Jalukbari.
From Jalukbari, Ramen Chandra Borthakur is contesting as the Raijor Dal candidate. Borthakur had earlier been preparing to contest from the Dispur constituency. However, the Congress fielded its leader Meera Borthakur Goswami from Dispur, following which the Raijor Dal shifted Ramen Chandra Borthakur to Jalukbari.
Similarly, Alok Nath, the Raijor Dal candidate from Tezpur, had earlier been active in the Barchala constituency in preparation for the election. The party, however, nominated him from Tezpur instead. This decision came as the Congress is expected to field senior leader Ripun Bora as its candidate from Barchala.
Speculation of a quiet understanding
Taken together, several aspects of the candidate lists have fueled speculation that some form of understanding may exist between the two parties.
There is also discussion in political circles that the public disagreement over an alliance could be a strategic move to prevent confusion among candidates and avoid rebellion, while also keeping the ruling side from adapting its election strategy too easily.
At the same time, prominent intellectuals who have been active in advocating opposition unity — including Dr. Hiren Gohain, Paresh Malakar, and Ajit Bhuyan — have not been seen speaking strongly about the alleged breakdown of talks between the two parties.
Because of these factors, observers believe there may indeed be some level of coordination between Congress and the Raijor Dal. The situation may become clearer within the next few days.
Akhil Gogoi on Gaurav Gogoi
Amid the ongoing debate over a possible alliance, Raijor Dal president Akhil Gogoi made a notable remark regarding Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi.
Akhil Gogoi said that, in his personal opinion, the Raijor Dal should field candidates against Congress candidates in general. However, he added that he is not in favour of fielding a candidate against Gaurav Gogoi.
According to Akhil Gogoi, Gaurav Gogoi is a good Member of Parliament, and if he enters the Assembly, the Assembly would be strengthened. For that reason, he said he would request his party not to field a candidate in Jorhat so that Gaurav Gogoi can win.
He further added that he would also try to ensure that the opposition is not weakened.
“I do not know what decision the party will ultimately take,” he said, “but I will try to ensure that the opposition does not suffer because of clashes between the Raijor Dal and other opposition parties. Where they have a strong chance of winning, we will try not to create difficulties for them by fielding candidates there.”