New Delhi, Feb 21: Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi on Saturday called for “sacrifice and adjustment” among opposition parties to finalise seat-sharing arrangements ahead of the 2026 Assam Assembly elections, stressing that defeating the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) remains the top priority.
Gogoi made the remarks after a closed-door meeting with senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in New Delhi, where discussions focused on strengthening opposition unity and accelerating alliance talks.
“There is nothing like the number should be this much or that. The policy of adjustment and sacrifice is more important. How do we win the election has to be the top agenda. Everybody will have to sacrifice,” Gogoi told reporters.
He said the Congress had already made significant compromises to facilitate alliance formation and urged potential partners to finalise the deal with flexibility. “We have left many important seats. Congress has made enough sacrifices for the alliance. We have to defeat the BJP at any cost, and for that, we have to make compromises,” he added, noting that discussions were in the final stages.
The remarks come amid differences with alliance partner Raijor Dal, whose chief Akhil Gogoi has demanded 15 seats of his party’s choice as a condition for joining the alliance. He also challenged the Congress’ electoral prospects in several constituencies.
Senior Congress leaders, including Debabrata Saikia, Pradyut Bordoloi, Ripun Bora, and Rakibul Hussain, attended the strategy meeting held at the residence of Sonia Gandhi, where discussions centred on finalising seat-sharing and strengthening coordination among opposition parties.
The Congress is also holding talks with other allies, including Assam Jatiya Parishad, as part of efforts to build a united opposition front.
Meanwhile, the party faces organisational challenges following the resignation of former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Borah, who announced his move to the BJP. Congress leaders, however, dismissed concerns over his exit and reiterated the party’s commitment to maintaining unity ahead of the crucial Assembly elections.
Gogoi emphasised that coordinated efforts and mutual compromise among opposition parties would be essential to maximise electoral gains and present a strong challenge to the ruling BJP.
