Guwahati, May 5: Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi on Tuesday took full moral responsibility for the party’s defeat in the recent state assembly elections. Speaking at a press conference here, Gogoi expressed gratitude to the party’s grassroots workers for their dedicated efforts during the polls.

“As the state Congress president, I take full moral responsibility. I also thank our political workers who gave their best,” Gogoi said. “We accept the mandate of the people and remain grateful to those who supported us. Congress will continue to reach out to those who did not vote for us. We are thankful to our grassroots workers who stand by us despite challenges. This election has shown a renewed spirit in Congress,” he added.

Gogoi also acknowledged the support of senior Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, and others. “I extend my gratitude to Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Jitendra Singh, and other leaders. While we did not achieve the expected number of seats, we will continue to contribute our ideas for Assam’s development, both inside and outside the Assembly. Our commitment to the people of Assam remains unwavering,” he said.

He further questioned some of the election results and announced that a meeting of newly elected Congress MLAs will be held on May 9. “The people have not fully accepted these results. We expected a closer contest, but outcomes in several constituencies are surprising. On May 9, we will meet all newly elected party MLAs,” Gogoi stated.

Gogoi lost the Jorhat Assembly seat to BJP’s Hitendra Nath Goswami by a margin of 23,182 votes. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a decisive victory in Assam, winning 82 out of 126 seats, marking its third consecutive term in the state. Allies Bodoland People's Front and Asom Gana Parishad won 10 seats each.