Ahead of the 2026 Assam Assembly elections, the Assam Congress has launched a comprehensive campaign, “Riser Poduli, Riser Congress,” to strengthen its support base in the state. The primary objective of this campaign is to connect directly with the tea garden community and the public at the grassroots level. Led by Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Gaurav Goswami, the campaign began on Monday from Pratapgarh Tea Garden in Biswanath district. The five-day campaign will reach 100 tea gardens and engage with the public through awareness and demonstration activities. The initiative draws inspiration from the “Riser Poduli, Riser Sarkar” program implemented during the tenure of former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi.
Congress Focuses on Tea Garden Community Issues
The campaign, organized under the aegis of the Assam Pradesh Tea Workers Tribal Congress wing, aims to directly meet workers, listen to their problems, and restore confidence in the tea garden community. Addressing a large gathering, Gaurav Gogoi accused the BJP government of neglecting the welfare of the tea tribes and suppressing the voices of their leaders. He said, “During Congress rule, tea garden leaders roared like lions, while under BJP rule, they meow like cats. Our government empowered the tea tribes politically, but today they are being ignored and reduced to a mere vote bank.”
Allegations of Corruption and Administrative Inaction
Gogoi also alleged widespread corruption and nepotism under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. He said that ministers are more preoccupied with acquiring tea garden assets, while the problems of workers are being ignored. He also questioned the government’s inaction in the Zubeen Garg death case, saying, “It has been almost a month, but the people of Assam have received no clear answers. Justice for Zubeen Garg is the voice of every Assamese.” He also announced that Congress leaders and MPs are showing solidarity with the artist’s family by joining the #JusticeForZubeenGarg campaign online.
Campaign Objective and Future Plans
Gaurav Gogoi stated that political press conferences cannot replace accountability under the law. “Justice will be served only when Zubeen’s family is satisfied and the culprits are punished by the court,” he stressed. The “Riser Poduli, Riser Congress” campaign will run for a week, with senior Congress leaders visiting tea gardens across Assam, gathering public feedback, and garnering support at the grassroots level. The campaign aims not only to highlight the problems of tea workers but also to strengthen Congress’s position in the upcoming assembly elections.
