With Assam preparing for the Legislative Assembly elections expected in April–May 2026, the Indian National Congress (INC) has begun a series of zonal party conventions to strengthen its organisation and sharpen its election strategy. The conventions started on January 21 and will be held at six locations across the state till January 28. Through this exercise, the party has formally begun its campaign to return to power and challenge the BJP-led government headed by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The conventions are being organised by the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) under its president Gaurav Gogoi with support from AICC General Secretary Jitendra Singh. Leaders and workers from district, block, mandal and booth-level committees are taking part. Three senior AICC observers Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and senior leader Bandhu Tirkey are overseeing the programmes showing that the party’s central leadership is closely involved.
The first convention was held at Howraghat on January 21, covering districts such as East and West Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, Hojai and Nagaon. Large numbers of party workers attended the meeting. Addressing them, Gogoi spoke about key promises, including closing liquor shops and giving priority to education if Congress comes back to power. On January 22, the Moran convention for Upper Assam districts such as Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, Sivasagar, Golaghat and Jorhat also saw strong participation. APCC Working President Roselina Tirkey and other leaders called for unity and discipline within the party.
These conventions follow a high-level strategy meeting held in Delhi on January 16, which was attended by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and senior observers. At the meeting, the party resolved to defeat what it described as a highly corrupt government. The appointment of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as chairperson of the candidate screening committee is expected to energise party workers and help manage internal differences. The party has also seen a surge in interest from aspirants, with around 300 ticket applications reportedly submitted in a single day. Talks are also on with parties like Raijor Dal and the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) to bring anti-BJP votes together.
It is believed that the conventions are a timely effort to rebuild the organisation, especially amid allegations of corruption against the government and debates over cultural issues. Grassroots programmes such as “Raijor Podulit Raijor Congress” and padyatras have increased the party’s visibility with reports of packed meetings and active participation by workers.
However, it seems, the effort has come too late. The BJP is already in campaign mode, with opinion polls predicting a big win for the NDA. The ruling party is banking on welfare schemes, large rallies, frequent visits by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and announcements like 1.5 lakh job appointments. Past Congress alliances have not delivered expected results, and some feel that a few months of campaigning may not be enough to counter the BJP’s strong organisation.
In the 2021 Assembly elections, Congress won 29 seats. This time, the party hopes to expand its presence significantly by focusing on issues such as corruption and cultural identity. Whether the current enthusiasm can be converted into votes remains to be seen. As Gaurav Gogoi said at the Howraghat convention, “Together, hand in hand,” the Congress is moving forward, but, the real test will come at the ballot box.
