Congress Holds Crucial Delhi Meeting Today on Assam 2026 polls

Congress Holds Crucial Delhi Meeting Today on Assam 2026 Assembly Election Candidate Selection and Opposition Alliance Strategy

Assam Assembly Election 2026: Congress Delhi Meeting Today – Key Discussions on Candidate Selection, Opposition Unity, and Challenges Ahead

As the countdown to the Assam Assembly Election 2026 intensifies, the Indian National Congress (INC) is stepping up its preparations with a high-stakes meeting in Delhi today (February 21, 2026). This crucial gathering focuses on finalizing the party’s candidate selection process for the upcoming Assam Vidhan Sabha Chunav and advancing talks on a robust opposition alliance to challenge the BJP-led government under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

The meeting comes at a pivotal moment when the Congress faces internal challenges, including recent defections and leadership transitions, while regional allies like Raijor Dal (led by Akhil Gogoi) and Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP, led by Lurinjyoti Gogoi) express growing impatience over delayed seat-sharing decisions. With the elections expected in March-April 2026, and the Election Commission set to announce dates considering the Rongali Bihu festival in mid-April, political parties are accelerating their strategies.

Priyanka Gandhi’s Central Role in Assam Polls

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, AICC General Secretary and Chairperson of the Assam screening committee for candidate selection, holds primary responsibility this time. She recently concluded a high-profile two-day visit to Guwahati (February 19-20, 2026), during which she engaged in marathon meetings with over 300 block presidents, district leaders, MLAs, MPs, and grassroots workers at Rajiv Bhawan.

Her visit included interactions with the political affairs committee, frontal organization heads, and booth-level leaders, gathering detailed feedback on prospective candidates. Discussions extended late into the night, sometimes until 3 a.m., underscoring the urgency. Priyanka also launched a sharp 20-point “chargesheet” against the BJP government, accusing it of “syndicate raj,” rising unemployment, and neglecting small industries.

Following her return to Delhi, today’s meeting builds on these efforts. Key attendees include Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Gaurav Gogoi, senior leaders like Pradyut Bordoloi, Ripun Bora, and others who have already reached the capital. Sources indicate the agenda covers:

• Finalizing the initial Congress candidate list for Assam Assembly Election 2026.
• Seat-sharing negotiations within the opposition front.
• Possible conditions and terms for alliance partners.
• Strategies to counter BJP’s dominance.

Gaurav Gogoi has indicated that the first list could be released by the end of February 2026, with around 80 names announced in early March. This phased approach aims to cover the 126 constituencies effectively.

Prolonged Opposition Alliance Talks: Hope Amid Frustrations

Efforts to build a united opposition have been ongoing, with Congress aligning with CPI(M), Raijor Dal, AJP, CPI, CPI(ML) Liberation, Jatiya Dal-Asom (JDA), and All Party Hill Leaders Conference (APHLC) under a common platform. However, seat-sharing remains a sticking point.

Raijor Dal’s Akhil Gogoi recently voiced dissatisfaction, stating that talks “are not going well” despite earlier positive signals from Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi. On February 20, opposition parties (including Raijor Dal, AJP, Left, and others) met in Guwahati, urging Congress to finalize the alliance within days. Some partners are exploring broader anti-BJP ties, with even UPPL signaling openness to join a Congress-led front.

The alliance’s success is critical in a state where BJP has ruled since 2016, currently holding a strong position with allies. Congress aims to leverage anti-incumbency on issues like unemployment, land syndicates, cattle smuggling allegations, and cultural identity concerns.

Internal Challenges and Leadership Dynamics in Congress

The Congress has faced instability, with a wave of defections weakening its grassroots base. Recent exits, including former APCC chief Bhupen Borah (who resigned and is reportedly joining BJP), have raised concerns. Priyanka Gandhi addressed this during her Guwahati visit, downplaying such movements as common pre-poll shifts and asserting that the party remains united and battle-ready.

Gaurav Gogoi, as state president, has emphasized organizational strengthening, booth management, and coordinated campaigning. AICC observers like DK Shivakumar and Bhupesh Baghel (appointed earlier) continue to support ground efforts.

Election Timeline and EC Preparations

The Assam Legislative Assembly’s term ends in May 2026, with polls anticipated in March-April. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar recently reviewed preparedness in Guwahati, confirming dates will factor in Bihu to avoid disruptions. No official schedule has been announced yet, but notification is expected soon.

Parties are intensifying preparations: BJP under Himanta Biswa Sarma focuses on development narratives, while opposition highlights governance failures.

What This Delhi Meeting Could Mean for Assam’s Political Landscape

Today’s discussions in Delhi could mark a turning point. A swift resolution on alliances and candidates might unify the opposition, boosting anti-BJP votes. Delays risk fragmentation, benefiting the ruling coalition.

As Assam Assembly Election 2026 nears, this meeting underscores Congress’s determination to reclaim ground in the Northeast. With Priyanka Gandhi at the helm of screening and alliance talks gaining momentum, the stage is set for a fiercely contested battle.

Stay tuned for updates on the first candidate list, seat-sharing outcomes, and EC announcements. The coming weeks will shape Assam’s political future.