NEW DELHI: Amid the continuing seat-sharing deadlock within the opposition alliance in Assam, the Indian National Congress on Tuesday made a surprising move by unveiling its first list of 42 candidates for the forthcoming Assembly elections.
The announcement underscores the party’s determination to press ahead with its electoral preparations even as negotiations with alliance partners remain unresolved. The list includes several prominent figures, most notably Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi, who has been nominated from Jorhat. This marks Gogoi’s debut in a state Assembly contest, and his candidature has intensified speculation that he could be projected as the party’s chief ministerial candidate should the Congress secure a majority in the House.
Among other significant names, Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia will once again contest from Nazira, while Meera Borthakur Goswami has been fielded from Dispur. Mahananda Sarkar has been nominated from Barpeta, Zakaria Ahmed from Karimganj North, and Pranti Phukan from Naharkatia, reflecting the party’s focus on experienced leadership across key constituencies.
The party has also declared nominees for reserved seats. In Scheduled Tribe (ST) constituencies, Raj Kumar Medak will contest from Jonai and Ratan Ingti from Bokajan. For Scheduled Caste (SC) seats, Bulbul Das has been fielded from Jagiroad and Utpal Baniya from Raha, indicating a calibrated approach to representation in reserved segments.
The composition of the first list highlights the Congress’s attempt to broaden social inclusivity by ensuring representation across diverse castes and communities. The party has also given prominence to women candidates, with leaders such as Nandita Das (Hajo-Sualkuchi), Pallabi Saikia Gogoi (Thowra), and Suruchi Roy (Ram Krishna Nagar) entering the electoral fray.
Strategically, the Congress has placed particular emphasis on consolidating its base in Barak Valley and Upper Assam. In Barak Valley, Abhijit Paul has been fielded from Silchar and Kartik Sena Sinha from Patharkandi. In Upper Assam, Pranjal Ghatowar has been nominated from Chabua-Lahowal, while Dhruba Gogoi will contest from Duliajan, signalling the party’s intent to strengthen its footprint in these politically significant regions.
Party insiders have indicated that the names of candidates for the remaining constituencies will be announced in a subsequent list in the coming days as preparations gather momentum.
Assam comprises 126 Assembly constituencies, and elections are expected to be conducted in mid-April, possibly in one or two phases. The Election Commission of India is anticipated to announce the detailed poll schedule shortly.
Notwithstanding the unresolved alliance discussions, senior Congress leaders have conveyed optimism about the party’s electoral prospects, asserting that it holds a favourable position in at least 46 Legislative Assembly Constituencies across the state.
The early declaration of candidates is widely being interpreted as a calculated strategic move aimed at energising the party organisation at the grassroots level and projecting an image of readiness and confidence ahead of the high-stakes 2026 Assam Assembly elections.
