Gaurav Gogoi lays out Congress vision for ‘Bor Axom’, details five resolutions and election preparations

The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) on Thursday unveiled a comprehensive political and development roadmap for Assam ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, APCC President Gaurav Gogoi announced five core resolutions that, according to him, would form the foundation of building a stronger and more inclusive “Bor Axom”.

Presenting the party’s vision, Gogoi said the Congress has decided to move forward with renewed determination from 2026, placing people-centric development and institutional reforms at the heart of its agenda. He also released details of the application process for Congress aspirants for the upcoming Assembly polls and clarified that 26 constituencies would be reserved for alliance partners.

Five Key Resolutions

1. Health and Education Reforms:
Gogoi said the Congress aims to place Assam among the top five states in the country in health and education. Expressing concern over the state’s poor national rankings, he alleged that despite Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s long association with these departments, their condition remains unsatisfactory. He accused the current government of focusing largely on infrastructure construction while ignoring fundamental issues such as service quality, staffing and work culture. A Congress government, he said, would ensure a cooperative and respectful environment for doctors, nurses and healthcare workers.

2. Decentralised Economic Development:
The second resolution focuses on decentralising Assam’s economic growth. Gogoi said development projects would no longer be concentrated in urban areas or controlled by large contractors. Instead, works would be divided into smaller packages and implemented at the village level. He added that policies would prioritise small tea growers over large tea companies, and a new industrial policy would encourage indigenous industries by allocating land to local entrepreneurs.

3. Ending Syndicate and Mafia Influence:
Highlighting what he termed the rise of syndicates and mafia networks, Gogoi said a Congress government would dismantle such systems. Referring to the alleged destruction of environmentalist Jadav Payeng’s forest in Majuli, he claimed criminal groups are operating with political protection. The Congress, he asserted, would take firm action to end this practice.

4. Depoliticisation of the Police:
The fourth resolution addresses the functioning of the Assam Police. Gogoi alleged that political interference has weakened law enforcement, with individuals linked to the ruling BJP receiving undue protection. He said the police must be freed from political pressure to function independently, ensure law and order and build a peaceful Assam. He also linked rising crimes against women to a lack of professionalism and political constraints within the police system.

5. Youth and Sports Development:
Calling the youth Assam’s greatest asset, Gogoi said many young people are currently burdened by frustration and despair. The Congress, he said, would work to strengthen the mental well-being of the youth and prevent addiction and divisive influences. He also promised modern and professional management systems to support sportspersons, acknowledging their achievements at national and international levels despite limited resources.

Gogoi said the vision of Bor Axom would be shaped through public participation and invited citizens to share suggestions via email at [email protected]
, adding that the party would begin its outreach from the very start of the New Year.

Election Preparations and Alliances

The APCC President also informed that an online meeting of the Congress Political Affairs Committee was held on December 31, during which several organisational decisions were taken. He announced that aspirants seeking Congress tickets for the Assembly elections can download application forms from www.apcc.assam.org
 between January 1 and January 5. Applications will be accepted at Rajiv Bhawan, Guwahati, from January 5 to January 20, along with a fee of ₹50,000. Applicants must obtain an acknowledgement receipt and submit it at their respective district offices.

While the Congress is considering contesting around 100 constituencies, Gogoi said applications are open for all seats. In the 26 constituencies earmarked for alliance partners, the application fee paid by Congress aspirants will be refunded. He added that discussions on seat-sharing are underway and the final arrangement will be announced after consultations.

Gogoi said dialogue and joint programmes have already begun with opposition parties such as Raijor Dal, Assam Jatiya Parishad, CPM and CPI. He cited a recent joint visit by opposition leaders to the violence-affected Kheroni area in West Karbi Anglong as an example of growing coordination and expressed confidence that opposition unity would significantly influence the election outcome.

Responding to media questions, Gogoi criticised Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for making what he described as irresponsible statements, saying this has undermined his credibility. He challenged the Chief Minister to publicly substantiate allegations of Pakistan links often mentioned by him and urged the government to fulfil pending promises, including granting Scheduled Tribe status to six communities, before the elections.

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