Guwahati, Dec 17: Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi on Tuesday ruled out any alliance with the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) for the 2026 assembly elections, describing the party as “communal” and likening it to the ruling BJP.

Speaking to reporters, Gogoi said, “There will be no alliance with the AIUDF under any circumstances. It is also a communal party like the ruling BJP. We cannot join hands with one communal force to defeat another similar force.”

The AIUDF was part of the Congress-led grand alliance in the 2021 Assam assembly polls but parted ways after former state Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah took over.

On broader opposition unity, Gogoi remained cautious, stating that discussions on alliances happen “off-camera” and that official announcements will follow only after talks conclude. He added, “The upcoming elections will not be easy for the BJP.”

Last month, eight opposition parties including Congress, CPI(M), Raijor Dal, Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), CPI, CPI(ML), Jatiya Dal-Asom (JDA), and the Karbi Anglong-based All Party Hill Leaders Conference (APHLC) agreed to contest the polls together against the BJP.

The 126-member Assam Assembly is scheduled for elections in March-April 2026. Currently, the BJP holds 64 seats, with allies AGP (9), UPPL (7), and BPF (3). Opposition parties include Congress (26), AIUDF (15), CPI(M) (1), and one Independent.

Gogoi also criticized the BJP, alleging that basic infrastructure and public services remain inadequate in areas where BJP workers reside. He accused Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of running the party for personal interests and a select few associates.

Addressing allegations that Congress is “pro-Miya,” Gogoi said many people who “love Assam and cherish its land, air, and water” have joined the party since April, calling such claims “baseless and ridiculous.” The term ‘Miya’ is often used pejoratively for Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam.