BJP backs TN governor’s criminal defamation complaint against Sivaji Krishnamurthy

Assam’s political temperature has risen after the Indian National Congress released its first list of 42 candidates. Gaurav Gogoi will take the field from Jorhat, underlining the party’s strategy to project him as the face of its campaign. Debabrata Saikia returns to Nazira, while Ripun Bora contests from Barchalla. Dispur and Bihpuria are emerging as key battlegrounds. A direct contest with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma looms large. Meanwhile, negotiations with Raijor Dal hang in balance. The first list is a clear signal that the 2026 Assembly race is officially on.