Congress Unveils 42 Candidates in Assam, Gaurav Gogoi to Contest from Jorhat

GUWAHATI-  Amid an ongoing seat-sharing deadlock within the opposition alliance in Assam, the Indian National Congress on Tuesday released its first list of 42 candidates for the forthcoming Assembly elections, signalling its intent to move ahead with preparations despite unresolved negotiations.

The list features several senior leaders and prominent figures. Among them is Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi, who has been nominated from Jorhat. His candidature marks his debut in a state Assembly contest and has fuelled speculation that he could be projected as the party’s chief ministerial face should the Congress secure a majority.

Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia will recontest from Nazira, while Meera Borthakur Goswami has been fielded from Dispur. Other nominees include Mahananda Sarkar (Barpeta), Zakaria Ahmed (Karimganj North), and Pranti Phukan (Naharkatia), reflecting the party’s reliance on experienced leadership in key constituencies.

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The party has also announced candidates for reserved constituencies. In Scheduled Tribe (ST) seats, Raj Kumar Medak will contest from Jonai and Ratan Ingti from Bokajan. For Scheduled Caste (SC) segments, Bulbul Das has been nominated from Jagiroad and Utpal Baniya from Raha.

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The composition of the first list indicates an attempt to balance social representation and regional outreach. Women candidates such as Nandita Das (Hajo-Sualkuchi), Pallabi Saikia Gogoi (Thowra), and Suruchi Roy (Ram Krishna Nagar) have also been included.

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Strategically, the Congress has placed emphasis on Barak Valley and Upper Assam. Abhijit Paul has been fielded from Silchar and Kartik Sena Sinha from Patharkandi in Barak Valley. In Upper Assam, Pranjal Ghatowar has been nominated from Chabua-Lahowal, while Dhruba Gogoi will contest from Duliajan.

Party sources indicated that candidates for the remaining constituencies would be announced in a subsequent list. Assam has 126 Assembly constituencies, and elections are expected in mid-April, possibly in one or two phases. The detailed schedule is awaited from the Election Commission of India.

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Despite the unresolved alliance discussions, senior Congress leaders have expressed optimism about their electoral prospects, asserting that the party is in a competitive position in several constituencies.

Political observers view the early release of candidates as a strategic move to energise grassroots workers and project organisational readiness ahead of the 2026 Assam Assembly elections.