"Does Gaurav Gogoi Want Opposition Unity?" Akhil Gogoi Lambasts Congress

Raijor Dal chief and Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi on Friday launched a blistering attack on the Congress, accusing it of derailing the efforts to forge a United Opposition against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam.

Speaking to media, Gogoi expressed deep frustration over what he described as the Congress’s lack of commitment towards building a cohesive anti-BJP alliance. "The current situation is not favourable for the Opposition Unity platform. We have been making tireless efforts to stop the BJP, but the Congress has only been thinking about its own party," he said.

Clarifying that the alliance is rooted in public interest and not personal ambition, Gogoi stated, "The Opposition Unity was not formed to make Gaurav Gogoi the Chief Minister or to safeguard my political future. It is about rescuing the people of Assam from the dominating clutches of the BJP government."

He criticised senior Congress leaders from the state, alleging that they have failed to treat the issue with the seriousness it deserves. "Leaders like Debabrata Saikia and Gaurav Gogoi have not shown any importance towards Opposition unity. Instead of prioritizing national interest, the Congress is only concerned about its own gains,” he remarked.

Taking particular aim at Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Gaurav Gogoi, the Raijor Dal leader said, "Since the day Gaurav Gogoi assumed office, he hasn't uttered a word about Opposition unity. He keeps saying it will be made public in September – that’s all. We never criticised the Congress. Instead, I’ve been subjected to various forms of ridicule."

He reiterated his party’s unwavering support for the alliance. "I want to make it absolutely clear to the Congress that Raijor Dal is firmly in favour of an opposition alliance — we have always supported it, and we will continue to do so. Our stand is not driven by personal ambition or political gain," Gogoi asserted.

Calling out the Congress’s alleged high-handedness, Gogoi added, "The Congress continues to think only about the interests of its own party. They are not only trying to delay and suppress the formation of the alliance but are also consistently insulting their alliance partners. This behaviour is unacceptable."

Issuing a stern warning, Gogoi said, “Let me warn them, the consequences of this arrogance will not be good. The day our patience breaks and Raijor Dal takes a decisive stand, there will be no turning back. That’s why we are urging the Congress to act now and formalise the alliance without any further delay. How are we expected to counter the BJP if we announce a political friendship just days before the elections? We may all raise our hands together in public, but how do we penetrate down to the grassroots?”

The MLA also revealed that repeated attempts to reach out to Gaurav Gogoi have gone unanswered. "Even when I tried to reach out to Gaurav Gogoi over the phone, he didn’t receive my calls."

Recalling the public support behind Gogoi's own political success, Akhil Gogoi noted, "Everyone knows how hard the people worked to ensure Gaurav Gogoi’s victory in the Lok Sabha elections. But to this day, he hasn’t even offered a word of thanks."

He also reflected on his own political journey and sacrifices, saying, "The public still hasn’t forgotten the misrule of the Congress. During Congress rule, I went to jail more times than ever. Yet, forgetting all of that, we tried to forge an alliance with them in the interest of the nation."

In conclusion, he warned that Raijor Dal’s restraint may not last indefinitely. "But the more the Congress tests our patience, the more it gets exhausted. The day the dam of patience breaks, there will be no more talk of Opposition Unity."

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