Congress’ challenges mount ahead of Assam polls

Leadership uncertainty, weak cadre mobilisation and fractured alliances challenge Congress in Assam elections.

- TIKAM SHARMA

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.