Addressing the media, Gaurav Gogoi, President of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, said the screening process for candidates is being expedited and, after consultations with the central leadership, the first phase of the Congress candidates’ list is likely by the end of February. He asserted that the Congress is ahead in election preparations and confirmed that alliances with like-minded opposition parties are certain, claiming that parties aligning with Congress grow stronger while those aligning with the Bharatiya Janata Party weaken, citing Asom Gana Parishad and United People’s Party Liberal as examples.
Responding to speculation about Bhupen Bora joining the BJP, Gogoi said even former Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal did not receive due respect in the BJP and questioned what Bora might gain there. He said Bora’s exit would not affect Congress and added that the party would intensify its campaign over the alleged 12,000 bighas of land linked to the family of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Gogoi criticised Sarma for earlier accusing Bora of insulting women and initiating action through the Women’s Commission and police, but now welcoming him as a “Hindu leader.” He remarked sarcastically that people have witnessed the recent “performance” of both leaders.
Gogoi said the coming election would be a contest between the “New Congress” and “Fake Congressmen,” alleging that leaders involved in corruption during the 15-year Congress rule later joined the BJP and “hijacked” the party. He accused the Chief Minister of losing the moral authority to certify Hindu leadership, referred to alleged cow syndicates, and challenged him to a public debate on Hinduism. Gogoi also alleged a prior understanding between Bora and the Chief Minister and the use of “Saam, Daam, Dand, Bhed” tactics to divert attention from public questions about the 12,000 bighas of land, asserting that the people of Assam would continue to seek answers.
Meanwhile, former APCC president Bhupen Bora explained his decision to leave Congress after 32 years, saying his loyalty and sacrifices went unrecognised. He recalled suffering a nose injury at a public event in front of Rahul Gandhi and said a resignation warning letter he sent to Gogoi and Congress in-charge Jitendra Singh received no response. Although Rahul Gandhi later contacted him, Bora said the issues raised in his resignation were not addressed. He described Gogoi as merely the public face of the party and claimed that real control lies with Dhubri MP Rakibul Hussain. Bora later joined the BJP after Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited his residence and persuaded him.
Senior Congress leader Debabrata Saikia stated he has no intention of joining the BJP, emphasising that politics should be guided by public service, policy and ideals. He wished Bora well, recalling Bora’s guidance during his early days as an MLA, while noting he was unaware of the reasons behind Bora’s resignation.
Reacting strongly, Congress leader Meera Barthakur Goswami criticised Bora, calling his move political “drama” and accusing him of betraying the party for personal interests. She alleged Bora had long been preparing to switch sides and said the Chief Minister had benefited politically from weakening the Congress.