Ranchi: In a major move to strengthen the anti-BJP front, Assam Congress President Gaurav Gogoi hinted at a potential partnership with Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Speaking in Ranchi on Thursday, Gogoi confirmed he is seeking a "courtesy call" with the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader as the party prepares to enter the electoral race in Assam.

 

The meeting follows Soren’s recent visit to Assam, where he met with tribal communities and attended Iftar celebrations, signalling JMM's interest in the state’s upcoming 2026 Legislative Assembly elections.

Gaurav Gogoi, who is preparing to contest from the Jorhat constituency, explained that the Assam Congress is looking for strategic support from Jharkhand's leadership. To facilitate this, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) has already appointed Bandhu Tirkey as a senior observer for Assam.

 

 

"Bandhu Tirkey has visited all the districts in Assam and understands the problems faced by the people there," Gogoi told reporters. "We have come here today on behalf of Assam Pradesh Congress to discuss with Jharkhand Congress on how their senior leaders can further strengthen the Congress in the upcoming Assam elections and can give a new direction to the society of Assam."

While Gogoi remained tight-lipped about the specifics of their strategy, he noted that official views would be shared following formal meetings rather than through the media.

The visit to Jharkhand comes at a time when the Congress is deep in negotiations with various regional allies. In Guwahati, senior leader Pawan Khera confirmed that seat-sharing talks are moving forward based on ground surveys and public opinion.

Khera also took a sharp aim at Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, dismissing recent government welfare payouts as ineffective.

"Our confidence doesn't come from bravado. Our confidence comes from the ground situation. You put Rs 9000 or Rs 90,000. People want to get rid of this corrupt man," Khera said.

As Assam heads toward the polls later this year, the political stakes are high. The ruling BJP is fighting for a third consecutive term, while the Congress is building a broad coalition, potentially including the JMM, to regain power in the state.