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Candidate Selection Complete
The Indian National Congress has completed its candidate selection process for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections.
They announced their fifth and final list of seven candidates on Sunday.
This brings the party's total declared candidates to 101 out of the 126 seats in the state Assembly.
The Central Election Committee (CEC) of Congress made the selections as part of their electoral preparations.
The party has been methodically releasing candidate lists in phases to ensure comprehensive coverage.
This final list represents the culmination of their seat allocation process within the broader electoral framework.
Diverse Candidate Lineup
The final list of seven candidates includes diverse representation across different constituencies and communities.
Joseph Hasda will contest from the Gossaigaon seat.
Birkhang Boro will contest from Dotma-ST (Scheduled Tribe).
Rajat Kanti Saha will contest from Bijni.
Anchula Gwara Daimary will contest from Bhergaon.
Narayan Adhikari will contest from Mazbat.
Nirmal Langthasa will contest from Haflong-ST.
Amar Chand Jain will contest from Katigorah.
This selection reflects Congress's strategic approach to fielding diverse candidates.
It includes Scheduled Tribe candidates, indicating their attempt to build a broad-based coalition.
Current Political Landscape
The elections are set against a backdrop of significant political dynamics in Assam.
“According to the list issued by the All India Congress Committee, candidates include Joseph Hasda (Gossaigaon), Birkhang Boro (Dotma-ST), Rajat Kanti Saha (Bijni), Anchula Gwara Daimary (Bhergaon), Narayan Adhikari (Mazbat), Nirmal Langthasa (Haflong-ST) and Amar Chand Jain (Katigorah)”
The Congress has been out of power in the state since 2016.
The current Assembly composition shows BJP-led coalition dominance.
The ruling BJP holds 64 seats out of 126 total seats.
BJP's allies include Asom Gana Parishad (9 MLAs), United People's Party Liberal (7), and Bodoland People's Front (3).
In the opposition, Congress has 26 MLAs, AIUDF has 15, CPI(M) has 1, and 1 Independent.
This electoral landscape presents a formidable challenge for Congress.
They seek to regain power after being out of office for a decade.
Alliance Strategy
Congress's electoral strategy involves a six-party alliance approach.
The party has strategically left seats for coalition partners.
Earlier, Congress announced it would leave 15 seats for allies.
In their fourth list on Friday, they dropped a sitting MLA.
They left 11 seats for alliance partner Raijor Dal in that list.
This alliance-building approach reflects recognition of coalition needs.
They need broader support to challenge BJP's dominance.
The candidate declaration process balances electoral prospects.
It reflects careful seat management in Assam's complex political environment.
Election Timeline
The Assam Assembly elections are scheduled for April 9, 2026.
Vote counting will take place on May 4.
These elections will determine if BJP can secure a third consecutive term.
Or if opposition alliance can successfully unseat the ruling party.
Congress's extensive candidate declaration process shows systematic preparation.
It culminated in the final list of seven candidates.
With 101 candidates declared, the remaining 25 seats likely go to alliance partners.
Congress is positioned for comprehensive campaign across the state.
They face significant challenges given current political arithmetic.
