Guwahati, March 20: Akhil Gogoi, president of Raijor Dal and sitting MLA, filed his nomination papers on Friday for the Sivasagar Assembly constituency in eastern Assam.

The regional party joined an opposition alliance late Thursday after finalising a seat-sharing arrangement, becoming part of a six-party bloc that includes the Indian National Congress.

Gogoi led a procession of supporters to the nomination centre and offered prayers at the Sivadol prior to filing his papers.

Speaking to reporters, he referred to his work over the past five years, citing development of roads and infrastructure along with efforts to preserve heritage in the constituency. He sought continued support from voters to carry forward these initiatives.

He also expressed confidence in the opposition alliance, stating that it would defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party in the upcoming polls. He said he expects to retain the Sivasagar seat and that his party could secure multiple constituencies.

Formed ahead of the 2021 Assembly elections, Raijor Dal will contest 11 seats as part of the alliance, with friendly contests in a few others. Gogoi remains the party’s only MLA, having won the Sivasagar seat in 2021.

Polling for the 126-member Assam Assembly is scheduled for April 9, with counting of votes to take place on May 4.