The Congress leadership believes that an internal network within the party in Assam, often described privately as a “sleeper cell,” remains active and continues to influence organisational decisions. Senior party leaders feel that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who switched from the Indian National Congress to the Bharatiya Janata Party, still exercises influence over certain individuals within the Congress structure. This lingering presence is seen as a major hurdle in rebuilding the party in the state. Congress leaders now believe that stronger central intervention is needed to counter this problem and restore internal discipline.
Priyanka Gandhi’s Growing Role in Assam Strategy
Congress leaders are placing renewed hope in Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, whose involvement in Assam is expected to intensify in the coming months. Though she maintained a low public profile during the previous Assam Assembly elections, she played an active role behind the scenes, coordinating strategy and organisation. At that time, senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel served as the party’s observer. Insiders believe Priyanka’s leadership style, organisational clarity and strong connect with party workers can help neutralise any covert influence left behind after Sarma’s exit and energise the state unit.
Why Assam Is a Key Focus for Congress
Assam holds strategic importance for the Congress as it offers a realistic chance of revival compared to other states. In West Bengal, the party lacks a strong organisational base, while in Tamil Nadu it plays a limited role as a junior alliance partner. Priyanka Gandhi also faces restrictions in Kerala, where internal norms discourage leaders from managing state organisations they represent as Members of Parliament. Given these limitations, Assam has emerged as the most viable state where she can take direct organisational charge and shape the political narrative ahead of the elections.
Election Math and the Road to 2026
In the last Assembly elections, the Mahajot alliance secured 43.68 percent of the vote, narrowly trailing the NDA’s 44.51 percent. However, the National Democratic Alliance translated this edge into a decisive victory, winning 75 seats compared to Mahajot’s 50. Congress leaders believe that better organisation, consistent messaging and Priyanka Gandhi’s leadership can help bridge this gap. Assembly elections are expected in March–April 2026 to elect 126 members, with the current Assembly’s term ending on May 20, 2026. The party sees this election as a crucial opportunity to reclaim lost ground in Assam.
