Guwahati: Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Gaurav Gogoi on Monday accepted the outcome of the recent elections, extending greetings to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) while asserting that the Congress would continue to function as a vigilant opposition both inside and outside the Assembly.
Addressing a press conference at Rajiv Bhawan in Guwahati, Gogoi said the party respects the mandate given by the people and expressed hope that the BJP-led government would address unresolved issues with “new thinking and new energy.” He also urged the ruling party not to repeat what he described as mistakes made over the past five years.
“We have accepted the election results and extend our best wishes to the BJP and its leadership. We hope they will resolve pending issues and fulfill the promises made to the people,” Gogoi said.
Taking moral responsibility for the party’s performance, Gogoi thanked party workers, supporters, and voters. He also acknowledged the guidance of senior Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and K. C. Venugopal.
Review Meeting on May 9
The APCC chief announced that a review meeting will be held in Guwahati on May 9, where both winning and defeated candidates will assess the election results and share feedback from their constituencies.
While acknowledging that the party did not secure the expected number of seats, Gogoi maintained that the Congress has “not lost heart” and remains committed to its responsibilities. “Even with fewer seats, we will continue to play the role of the opposition. If required, we will fulfill that role from outside the Assembly as well,” he said.
Focus on Accountability and Governance
Gogoi emphasized that the Congress would closely monitor the functioning of the new government. He stated that the party would raise concerns regarding governance, including allegations of corruption and administrative lapses.
“We will keep a sharp eye on the activities of the government and speak out wherever necessary. Our priority is to stand with the people if they face injustice or intimidation,” he said, adding that the party would evaluate whether the government delivers on its commitments.
Responding to remarks made by the Chief Minister, Gogoi said such comments were not a matter of concern. “What matters is whether the promises made to the people are fulfilled,” he noted.
Concerns Over Electoral Process
During the interaction, Gogoi also raised questions about aspects of the electoral process, including voter lists and counting patterns. Referring to concerns previously highlighted by Rahul Gandhi, he said the party would review results in several constituencies.
He pointed out that the margins of victory in many seats were significantly higher than anticipated, contrary to expectations of closely contested races. “We expected tighter contests in many constituencies. The results have raised questions that we will examine in detail,” he said.
Gogoi further stated that discussions on electoral transparency and institutional functioning have been raised at the national level by opposition parties.
Rebuilding and Outreach Plans
Reiterating that the Congress would intensify its grassroots engagement, Gogoi said the party is preparing to reconnect with the public across Assam. “It would be incorrect to assume that the Congress has given up. From today, we are ready to go back to the people,” he said.
He added that feedback from citizens would play a key role in reshaping the party’s strategy and strengthening its organizational structure. According to Gogoi, the Congress aims to emerge stronger by incorporating public suggestions and addressing internal shortcomings.
The APCC president also reaffirmed the party’s commitment to its vision of a “New Assam,” stating that efforts toward this goal would continue regardless of being in power.
Reaction to Jorhat Result
Responding to a question about the party’s performance in Jorhat, Gogoi congratulated the winning candidate, Hitendra Nath Goswami, and acknowledged that he could not dedicate as much time to the constituency during the campaign due to statewide responsibilities.
He expressed disappointment over the outcome but noted that voters in Jorhat are “conscious and thoughtful” in exercising their franchise.
Role of Opposition in Democracy
Gogoi concluded by underlining the importance of a strong opposition in a democratic framework. “In a democracy, both the ruling party and the opposition are essential. Without an effective opposition, democratic balance cannot be maintained,” he said.
He reiterated that the Congress would continue to act as a “democratic voice” for the people and work toward holding the government accountable.