GUWAHATI: The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee has formally ended its alliance with the Akhil Gogoi-led Raijor Dal, bringing an end to the opposition partnership amid growing differences between the two parties.
The Congress said the decision was taken after repeated violations of the understanding governing the alliance. The move marks a significant shift in Assam’s opposition politics and could have implications for the electoral strategy of both parties in the run-up to the Nagaon bypoll.
The alliance between the Congress and Raijor Dal was part of a broader effort by opposition parties in Assam to coordinate their electoral strategies and consolidate votes against the ruling dispensation. However, differences between the partners have increasingly come to the fore.
Akhil Gogoi, the Raijor Dal chief and Sivasagar MLA, has maintained an independent political position on several issues, while the Congress has sought greater coordination among opposition parties.
The latest decision is expected to trigger further political discussions within the opposition camp, particularly over candidate selection, vote-sharing and campaign strategy in constituencies where both parties may have competing interests.
The Nagaon bypoll is likely to be an immediate test of the consequences of the split. A divided opposition could potentially alter the electoral equation, particularly in a closely contested seat.
The development also comes at a time when Assam's political parties are beginning to position themselves for the state's next electoral battles. The Congress will now have to assess its strategy independently, while the Raijor Dal faces the task of strengthening its own organisational and electoral base.
Political observers are likely to watch closely whether the breakdown remains limited to the two parties or leads to further realignments among Assam's opposition forces.