The Assam Nagorik Sanmilani, led by academic Hiren Gohain and former IPS officer Harekrishna Deka, said the BJP’s divisive politics had “emptied the Assamese identity from within”. | Photo credit: Ritu Raj Konwar
Days after activist Akhila Gogoi’s Raijor Dal joined the Congress-led bloc, the civic body said opposition unity must translate into a verdict against the BJP in the April 9 Assembly elections.
The Assam Nagorik Sanmilani, led by academic Hiren Gohain and former IPS officer Harekrishna Deka, said the BJP’s divisive politics had “emptied the Assamese identity from within”. She said the BJP-led government had handed over the state’s vital natural resources to multinationals in the last 10 years.
“The rule of law has disappeared; the Chief Minister’s word has now become law. The people of Assam have no option but to oust this government and another five years in power would spell disaster for the common people,” it said in a statement on Sunday.
Insisting that the six opposition parties’ decision to strike a seat-sharing deal was a relief to people looking for a viable alternative, the collective said their unity “must spark a mass awakening” to defend democracy and take on the BJP.
She urged the opposition bloc to prioritize reclaiming Assam’s resources for its people; ending mismanagement in education, health and employment; building real, accountable systems; decentralization of power to promote welfare for tribal and backward communities, tackling the problem of illegal immigration through proper implementation of the Assam Accord, 1985; and ensuring speedy justice for late cultural icon Zubeen Garg.
“We call on the opposition to immediately gather people around a common minimum program focused on these issues. The unity of the opposition must be tangible – seen in street mobilization and a cohesive electoral battle,” the collective said.
Published – 22 March 2026 22:34 IST
