Guwahati, Assam – The Congress party is finalizing its strategy for the upcoming by-elections in five assembly constituencies in Assam. The party has decided to field candidates in four constituencies—Dholai, Sidli, Bongaigaon, and Samaguri—while leaving the Bihali seat open for a consensus candidate from the Assam Sanmilita Mancha (ASOM), aiming to bolster opposition unity.
A key meeting of ASOM (formerly known as the United Opposition Forum) was held on Friday evening, with notable attendees including AICC general secretary Jitendra Singh, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bhupen Kumar Borah, MP Ajit Kumar Bhuyan, Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) president Lurinjuoti Gogoi, Raijor Dal president and MLA Akhil Gogoi, and CPI-M state secretary Suprakash Talukdar.
During the meeting, a five-member committee was formed to select a candidate for the Bihali constituency. The committee includes prominent figures such as Ajit Kumar Bhuyan, Akhil Gogoi, Suprakash Talukdar, Lurinjyoti Gogoi, and Jonnes Ingty Kathar, president of the All Party Hill Leaders Conference (APHLC). The committee is expected to submit its report to the APCC president by October 20.
One proposal, supported by leaders of various opposition parties, was to nominate Vivek Das for the Bihali seat. The nomination, suggested by CPI-ML leaders, is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the opposition’s chances not just in the by-elections, but also in the lead-up to the 2026 general elections. Many leaders are advocating for continued opposition unity to challenge the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) effectively.
Earlier in the day, the APCC held a meeting at Rajiv Bhawan, marking the start of the candidate selection process. The meeting, also attended by Jitendra Singh, concluded with the APCC presenting its list of candidates to the AICC for final approval, expected to be completed by Saturday evening.
The by-elections in the constituencies of Sidli, Bongaigaon, Dholai, Samaguri, and Bihali are scheduled for November 13, with vote counting set for November 18. These elections are crucial for the Congress and its allies, as they look to build momentum and strengthen their position ahead of future elections in Assam.
