Priyanka Gandhi’s Assam Tour: What Congress Plans Before Candidate List Release

Guwahati: Screening Committee Chairperson and Wayanad Lok Sabha MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is scheduled to arrive in Assam today on a two-day visit. Upon her arrival, she will offer prayers at the Kamakhya Temple before proceeding to Rajiv Bhawan, where she will participate in screening-related meetings from 11 am until midnight.

The visit was announced at a press conference by AICC General Secretary in-charge of Assam Jitendra Singh and Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Gaurav Gogoi. Jitendra Singh said that Priyanka Gandhi and other members of the Screening Committee will hold extensive meetings with Block Congress leaders, frontal organisations, and party workers. He added that this is the first time such a structured screening mechanism has been introduced in Assam for candidate selection.

Singh further stated that Priyanka Gandhi will visit Assam multiple times until the conclusion of the elections to assess public sentiment. He also announced that Priyanka Gandhi will unveil a “Chargesheet” prepared by the APCC against the BJP-led Assam government at the Manabendra Sarma Complex in Dispur at 2 pm on February 19, 2026.

Meanwhile, the APCC has made extensive arrangements to welcome Priyanka Gandhi, with preparations underway to bring around 10,000 party workers from districts including Kamrup, Barpeta, Morigaon and Goalpara. A massive rally is planned from the airport to Rajiv Bhawan. Unverified reports suggested that there were informal instructions regarding minority participation, but the party leadership has not issued any official clarification.

Earlier, Gaurav Gogoi said efforts are underway to complete the screening process at the earliest, adding that the first phase of the Congress candidates’ list is likely to be released by the end of February after consultations with the central leadership. He said alliances with like-minded opposition parties are certain, asserting that parties aligning with Congress strengthen, while those aligning with the BJP weaken, citing the examples of the Asom Gana Parishad and UPPL.

Reacting to Bhupen Bora’s reported move to the BJP, Gogoi said Bora’s departure would not hamper Congress’s work. He questioned what respect Bora might receive in the BJP, citing the treatment of former Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. Gogoi also said the Congress would intensify its campaign over the alleged 12,000 bighas of land linked to the Chief Minister’s family.

Criticising Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Gogoi said it was contradictory that a leader who had earlier accused Bhupen Bora of insulting women and initiated action through the Women’s Commission and police was now welcoming him as a “Hindu leader.” He said the election would be a contest between the “New Congress” and “Fake Congressmen,” alleging that leaders involved in scams during the previous Congress regime have now joined and “hijacked” the BJP.

Gogoi also questioned the Chief Minister’s moral authority to certify who is a Hindu leader, alleging involvement of cow syndicates and challenging him to a public debate on Hinduism. He alleged that attempts are being made to divert attention from public questions regarding the land issue and claimed that the Chief Minister had applied “Saam, Daam, Dand, Bhed” tactics.

He further questioned why the Chief Minister has refrained from predicting seat numbers and victory margins this time, unlike earlier elections, and claimed that while Congress will not see dissatisfaction over ticket distribution, internal competition for positions has already begun within the BJP.

Among those present at the press conference were Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia, MP Rakibul Hussain, former Rajya Sabha MP Ripun Bora, AICC in-charge Vikas Upadhyay, and Manoj Chauhan. The briefing was conducted by Media Department Chairman Bedabrata Bora.

Also Read: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to Visit Assam, Chair Key Organisational Meetings Ahead of Assembly Polls