Gaurav Gogoi Accuses Himanta Sarma of Manipulating Voter Lists Ahead of 2026 Assam Elections

Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi has launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, asserting that the chief minister is facing "serious political trouble" and making concerning electoral maneuvers.

During a party event in Dhubri on Wednesday, Gogoi alleged that the state government is attempting to manipulate Assam's electoral landscape by adding voters from outside the state in preparation for the 2026 Assembly elections.

According to Gogoi, the chief minister has become "the biggest burden for the BJP" and is "desperately trying to include the names of people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in Assam's voters list" to influence upcoming elections in favor of the ruling party.

These accusations come at a significant time as the Election Commission has recently ordered a special summary revision of electoral rolls, with January 1, 2026, designated as the qualifying date. This revision process aims to ensure accurate voter lists ahead of the next election cycle.

Gogoi called for vigilance from political parties, civil society organizations, and media outlets, emphasizing that "no outsider should be allowed to distort Assam's electoral mandate."

The Congress leader stated that his party's preparations for next year's elections extend beyond merely increasing their Assembly representation—they aim "to form the government and safeguard the rights and interests of the people of Assam."

In further criticism, Gogoi claimed that Chief Minister Sarma has sought support from AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal and suggested that AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi "may also appear in Assam soon" in efforts to bolster the chief minister's position.

Highlighting opposition unity, Gogoi announced that an eight-party alliance—comprising the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), CPI(ML), Raijor Dal, Assam Jatiya Parishad, Jatiya Dal–Asom, and the All Party Hill Leaders Conference—has committed to contesting the 2026 Assembly election as a unified front against the BJP.

He expressed confidence that this opposition coalition is "far more united and prepared than ever before" and determined to present Assam voters with a compelling alternative in the upcoming election.