Assam: United Opposition Forum to Kickstart Election Campaign on December 1

New Delhi: The Congress-led 15-party United Opposition Forum (UOF) in Assam has announced its plans to officially commence its campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha election on December 1, as revealed by party leaders following a meeting held in Guwahati on Friday.

According to a report published in Northeast Now, UOF's General Secretary and Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) President, Lurinjyoti Gogoi, highlighted that the primary focus of the opposition's campaign will be on the alleged corruption within the Chief Minister's family. Gogoi disclosed, "We are preparing a chargesheet against the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party)-led government in Assam and the Chief Minister, which will be completed shortly. We will table it in the next meeting at Dibrugarh on November 30."

In addition to addressing corruption issues, the opposition is working on a common minimum programme for the upcoming elections. Gogoi stated that this programme would also be presented during the forthcoming meeting in Dibrugarh.

Deputy Leader of Assam Congress Legislature Party (ACLP), Rakibul Hussain, expressed confidence in the opposition's strength, stating, "The Chief Minister is scared of facing the United Opposition in the upcoming poll. Their party position is worse in Upper Assam. The Chief Minister himself explains what is going on in Lower Assam."

UOF Chief Spokesperson and Raijor Daal President Akhil Gogoi criticised the BJP for its focus on Hindutva, questioning the arrest of Ajmal, whom he accused of spreading communal venom. Gogoi asserted, "As the election is knocking at the door, the BJP is trying to spread communal hatred to divert the people from real issues. Ajmal has been used as a weapon for it."

During the meeting, various issues highlighted in recent media reports were discussed, and leaders emphasised the importance of restraint when speaking to the media to maintain unity among forum members.

During the United Opposition Forum meeting, numerous recently highlighted media issues were deliberated, and the leaders carefully examined the advantages and disadvantages associated with these matters.

Emphasising the importance of maintaining unity among forum members, leaders urged caution when speaking to the media to prevent any negative impact on the collective coherence of the Forum.

Key leaders attending the meeting included Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Bhupen Kr Bora, CLP Leader Debabrata Saikia, Rajya Sabha MP Ajit Kumar Bhuyan, Raijor Daal President and MLA Akhil Gogoi, AJP President Lurinjyoti Gogoi, Assam Trinamool Congress (TMC) President Ripun Bora, Aam Admi Party (AAP)State Coordinator Dr Bhaben Choudhary, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Leader Jatindra Nath Bordoloi, Communist Party of India (CPI) Leader Kanak Gogoi, Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) Suprakash Talukdar, APHLC Leader Bikram Hanse, CPI(ML) Leader Pankaj Kumar Das, AIFB Leader Mihir Nandi, and Shivsena (UBT) Leader Ramnarayan Singh. The leaders collectively discussed the pros and cons of issues affecting the Forum and underscored the need to maintain unity throughout their campaign.

The opposition's move to bring corruption allegations to the forefront sets the stage for a heated electoral battle in Assam.