Leadership uncertainty, weak cadre mobilisation and fractured alliances challenge Congress in Assam elections.
Gaurav Gogoi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra lead Congress efforts in Assam, aiming to counter BJP’s growing influence before the Assembly elections (Photo: X)
NEW DELHI: With the Assam Assembly elections drawing closer, the Congress finds itself at a critical juncture. As the main opposition party in the state, the Grand Old Party views Assam as a vital arena to halt its continuing political slide, reclaim diminished relevance, and project itself once again as a credible national challenger to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Despite these strategic expectations, the party's performance on the ground remains far from encouraging.
In an effort to rejuvenate the organisation and revive its electoral prospects, the Congress high command appointed Gaurav Gogoi as president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) on May 26, 2025, replacing Bhupen Kumar Borah. The decision was widely regarded as a politically significant move, especially given Gogoi's pedigree as the son of former Assam Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Tarun Gogoi. The leadership believed that his appointment would inject fresh energy into the party ahead of the high-stakes elections.
However, close to seven months after taking charge, Gogoi has yet to firmly establish his authority within the party structure. With less than two months remaining before polling, the Congress's grassroots organisation in Assam continues to appear fragile and divided. Party functionaries acknowledge that mobilisation at the cadre level has been sluggish, while long-standing internal divisions continue to undermine organisational effectiveness.
Gogoi has also come under scrutiny for failing to take bold and effective decisions that could have strengthened the party's position. The Congress has struggled to achieve internal alignment and has been unable to generate the political momentum required to pose a serious challenge to the BJP government led by CM Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Compounding the Congress's difficulties is the absence of opposition unity in the state. Despite attempts to consolidate anti-BJP forces, Gogoi has not been successful in building a cohesive alliance. As the election approaches, differences between the Congress and its prospective allies such as the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) and Raijor Dal have become increasingly visible, further diluting the opposition's collective strength.
On the political offensive, Gogoi has sought to target the BJP over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. Accusing the ruling party of orchestrating widespread voter manipulation, he alleged that "vote theft is being carried out in the name of SIR by the Assam BJP," asserting that the exercise is inflicting serious injustice on the people of Assam. He also raised questions about the Election Commission's role, claiming it disproportionately scrutinises complaints raised by the Congress while remaining silent on allegations against the ruling party.
In what appears to be a move to bolster Gogoi's leadership and reinvigorate the party's election campaign, the Congress high command has recently appointed Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as chairperson of the State Screening Committee for Assam. Her inclusion has lifted spirits within the party and is being seen as a key reinforcement to the Congress's electoral strategy in the state. Additionally, senior leaders such as Bhupesh Baghel and D.K. Shivakumar have been assigned responsibilities in Assam, indicating a more hands-on approach by the central leadership.
A political analyst closely observing developments in Assam told The Sunday Guardian that the forthcoming election could be decisive for the Congress. "The party has failed to secure a major electoral victory on its own since 2024. Gaurav Gogoi was appointed state president with the hope that he would reverse the trend, but so far he appears to be falling behind," the analyst remarked.
By contrast, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is perceived to be significantly ahead in the political contest. "Beyond holding the office of Chief Minister, Sarma has steadily expanded his reach and popularity at the grassroots. Gogoi, in comparison, has struggled to consolidate and energise his own cadre on the ground," the analyst noted.
Moreover, as Assam moves closer to the election phase, the Congress faces a steep and challenging road ahead. Whether the recent interventions by the party's central leadership can alter the political equation remains uncertain, but at present, the BJP appears to have a firm grip on the state's political narrative.
