Guwahati, 22 January (HS): Political realignments ahead of the elections appeared to hit a roadblock on Thursday after Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi made it clear that seat-sharing with alliance partners would be considered only after the party finalises its own candidates for all constituencies.

Gogoi’s statement is being seen as a setback for potential allies Raijor Dal and Asom Jatiya Parishad, particularly in the wake of Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi’s warning that no alliance would be possible if seats were not allotted in minority-dominated constituencies such as Dhing.

Responding indirectly to the ultimatum, Gaurav Gogoi asserted that discussions with partner parties could take place only after Congress completes its internal candidate selection process, indicating that the party is unwilling to concede seats under pressure.

Meanwhile, Akhil Gogoi launched a sharp counterattack, alleging that he himself is falsely claiming they can win seats anywhere, adding that without such assertions, “no one would stand with me.”

The political exchange further escalated after Assam minister Pijush Hazarika reacted strongly to recent remarks made by Gaurav Gogoi against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Hazarika said Gogoi had no moral authority to criticise a “popular Chief Minister like Himanta Biswa Sarma,” alleging that Gogoi neither speaks Assamese fluently nor addresses issues within his own family, which he claimed includes three members termed as foreigners.

The war of words has underscored growing tensions within the opposition camp, casting uncertainty over the prospects of a cohesive pre-poll alliance in Assam.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash