Internal tensions gripped the Congress in Assam’s Golaghat district after reports that the party may leave the Sarupathar Assembly constituency to its ally, the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), triggering strong protests from local workers.
Hundreds of Congress cadres gathered at Abarta Bhawan in Golaghat and voiced sharp opposition to the reported seat-sharing arrangement. The protesters demanded that the party leadership reconsider the move, arguing that Sarupathar has long been a Congress stronghold built through sustained grassroots work.
The agitation placed Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi under pressure, with workers accusing the leadership of ignoring local sentiment in its bid to forge opposition unity ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Raising slogans, the demonstrators warned that conceding the seat could demoralise party workers and adversely affect the Congress’s organisational strength in the constituency. Some agitating members even threatened to shave their heads publicly if the decision is not rolled back, underscoring the depth of resentment within the district unit.
Responding to the unrest, Gogoi said the party leadership understands the emotions of its workers and assured that their concerns would be taken into consideration. He maintained that the Pradesh Congress remains committed to protecting the interests of its grassroots cadre.
The controversy follows reports that the Congress has agreed in principle to allot nine Assembly constituencies, including Sarupathar, to the AJP as part of broader opposition seat-sharing talks in Assam.
With the 2026 Assembly polls approaching, the episode highlights the delicate balancing act facing the Congress leadership as it seeks to maintain alliance cohesion while managing discontent within its own ranks.
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