Guwahati, 25 February (HS): A storm of dissent swept through Indian National Congress circles in Assam on Wednesday as party workers from Dalgaon staged a massive demonstration at Rajiv Bhawan amid reports that the constituency may be conceded to Raijor Dal under a proposed alliance arrangement.

Angry cadres raised slogans and openly opposed what they described as a “demoralising compromise,” asserting that Dalgaon has long remained a Congress bastion. Protesters cautioned the leadership against ignoring grassroots sentiment, warning that such a move could alienate dedicated workers who have sustained the party’s organisational base in the constituency.

The unrest was not confined to the party office. Earlier, list night more than a hundred Congress supporters assembled outside the residence of MP Gaurav Gogoi at Ajanta Path, voicing sharp opposition to any proposal to hand over the Dalgaon Assembly seat to Raijor Dal. Demonstrators declared they would resist the decision “at any cost” and hinted at intensifying agitation if their demands are not heeded.

Several protesters alleged that negotiations over seat-sharing were conducted without consulting local leaders or grassroots members, terming the process undemocratic. They warned that failure to allot the ticket to a Congress candidate could trigger mass resignations from the party’s Dalgaon unit.

While the state leadership has yet to make an official announcement, the developments have exposed visible strains within the party ranks ahead of the Assembly elections. Though Congress’ seat-sharing equation with the Assam Jatiya Parishad is understood to be largely settled, friction continues with Raijor Dal.

Meanwhile, Sivasagar MLA and Raijor Dal chief Akhil Gogoi stated that discussions on seat-sharing remain inconclusive. He claimed that Congress has not formally conveyed its final position and disclosed that Raijor Dal has sought 15 Assembly constituencies as part of the alliance formula.

Gogoi cautioned that excluding his party from the Opposition coalition could weaken the broader challenge against the Bharatiya Janata Party in Assam. Emphasising Raijor Dal’s grassroots network, he maintained that the party commands significant support among youth and marginalised communities and sidelining it could undermine Opposition unity at a crucial electoral juncture.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash