From prison to assembly: Why Akhil Gogoi’s Sivasagar re-election is a litmus test for regionalism
Raijor Dal founder and sitting MLA Akhil Gogoi is contesting the 2026 Assam Assembly elections from his home constituency of Sivasagar (Sibsagar). Often referred to as the “Son of the Soil,” Gogoi is a leading voice for regionalism and indigenous rights, heading the Raijor Dal as part of the broader opposition alliance aiming to challenge the ruling BJP’s decade-long dominance. Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi stages a protest on the first day of the four days long Budget (Vote on Account) Session 2026 of the Assam Legislative Assembly (ALA) at ALA premises, in Guwahati on Monday. (Pitamber Newar) ALSO READ People’s MLA vs ‘The System’: why all eyes are on Raijor Dal’s Akhil Gogoi in Assam assembly election 2026 Gogoi’s 2026 campaign is built on his legacy as a firebrand activist. Since winning his first election in 2021 while still in judicial custody, he has transformed Sivasagar into a bastion of anti-CAA sentiment and grassroots resistance. In this election, he has framed the contest as a battle for the “survival of Assamese identity,” frequently highlighting issues …