Guwahati, 23 December (HS):

Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi on Tuesday asserted that the opposition alliance in Assam does not revolve around a single leader, stating that there are several important leaders in the opposition camp besides Akhil Gogoi.

Gaurav Gogoi said that any decision regarding alliance formation would be taken only after holding discussions with all stakeholders, making it clear that no unilateral decision would be accepted. His remarks are being seen as a setback to Raijor Dal legislator Akhil Gogoi, who has been actively pitching for an opposition alliance ahead of the elections.

Taking a sharp dig, Gaurav Gogoi indicated that Akhil Gogoi appeared desperate in his pursuit of an alliance and had already shown signs of surrender even before the electoral battle began. Akhil Gogoi had earlier warned that failure to form an opposition alliance would prove to be a “self-destructive” decision for the opposition.

However, once again, Gaurav Gogoi’s statement has effectively sidelined the Raijor Dal MLA, reinforcing the Congress leadership’s stand that alliance decisions will be collective and strategic, not driven by individual pressure.---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash