The Indian National Congress on Tuesday unveiled its first list of 42 candidates for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, signalling the start of an intense political battle in the state.
Among the key nominees is Gaurav Gogoi, Deputy Leader of the party in the Lok Sabha and president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, who will contest from Jorhat. Senior leader Ripun Bora has been fielded from Barchalla.
The party’s initial slate also includes Abhijit Paul from Silchar, Indraneel Pegu from Majuli, and Mira Borthakur Goswami from Dispur.
Elections to the 126-member Assam Legislative Assembly are expected to take place in March–April 2026. The Election Commission of India is likely to announce the detailed schedule in the coming weeks.
Currently, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance holds a majority in the Assembly. The BJP has 64 MLAs, supported by its allies — Asom Gana Parishad, United People’s Party Liberal and Bodoland People’s Front — strengthening the ruling coalition’s position.
In the Opposition, the Congress has 26 MLAs, while the All India United Democratic Front holds 15 seats. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has one legislator in the House, along with an Independent member.
In the 2021 Assembly elections, the BJP-led alliance secured 75 seats to retain power, while the Congress-led alliance improved its performance, winning 50 seats.
With candidate announcements now underway, the political landscape in Assam is poised for a closely watched electoral contest.
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