Guwahati, Nov 23: The by-election results in five Assembly seats across Assam have once again underscored the BJP’s dominance and the opposition’s failure to present a unified challenge. With the pivotal 2026 Assembly elections on the horizon, the fractured opposition faces mounting pressure to rebuild alliances and consolidate efforts to counter the BJP’s formidable electoral machinery.
The collapse of the United Opposition Forum (UoF), formed in 2023 to unite anti-BJP forces, exposed deep divisions among opposition parties. Infighting and disagreements over candidate selection, particularly in the Behali constituency, derailed the coalition’s efforts. Congress’s decision to field Jayanta Borah, reversing its earlier agreement to leave the seat to other opposition groups, became a major flashpoint, triggering internal discord.
Reacting to the results, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi took responsibility for the party’s defeat in Behali but highlighted its improved performance in BJP strongholds. “Despite the loss, the reduced vote margin indicates momentum for Congress in North Assam,” he said, calling for a renewed push to unite the opposition ahead of 2026.
Meanwhile, Raijor Dal MLA and former UoF spokesperson Akhil Gogoi launched a scathing critique of Congress, accusing its leaders of undermining the coalition. “The lack of sincerity and honesty in alliance commitments has damaged the credibility of the opposition,” he said.
Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bhupen Kumar Borah also took responsibility for Congress’s defeat, vowing to focus on grassroots mobilization and outreach to anti-BJP stakeholders, including writers and artists. Borah noted gains in constituencies like Dholai and Behali as signs of Congress’s organizational strengthening, despite the challenges.
The Assam Alliance, a rebranded coalition of anti-BJP parties, expressed disappointment over Congress’s decision to contest independently. Its leaders, Ajit Kumar Bhuyan and Lurinjyoti Gogoi, criticized the lack of unity, emphasizing the electorate’s clear preference for a consolidated opposition.
“The by-election results show that without unity, defeating the BJP is impossible,” the Alliance leaders said, pledging to continue their fight against the ruling party.
As the BJP remains firmly in control, the fractured opposition is left grappling with the daunting task of overcoming internal divisions and presenting a united front ahead of the critical 2026 assembly elections.
