Website Design: The Guwahati
The face of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls in Assam for the Congress Party is now the chief of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC). On 26th May 2025, the Congress Party officially appointed Jorhat MP Gaurav Gogoi as the president of the APCC. Now, the real play begins.
The long-standing demand for a change in the Assam Congress leadership has finally been addressed, and the message is loud and clear. The All India Congress Committee (AICC) made it official on 26th May 2025 by placing the Jorhat MP in a position that had been in demand for quite some time. This decision by the AICC has uplifted the morale of Congress workers across the state, giving them hope ahead of next year’s Assembly elections.
What’s Ahead:
Since 2021, Gaurav Gogoi has evolved significantly—from a novice in state politics to a seasoned leader. He made a strong impression with his performance in the last Lok Sabha polls in Assam and also played a key role in the during the bye-elections to five assembly seats in November 2024.
Gaurav Gogoi, who has recently been caught in controversy stirred by the BJP over his alleged Pakistan connection, is now crafting a counter-strategy of his own. Repeated allegations by BJP leader and Assam CM Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma regarding Gogoi’s visit to Pakistan have created confusion among the public. Although there are no official claims or charges against Gogoi, the mudslinging has impacted voter sentiment. Now, Gogoi needs to address this head-on to regain the trust of the Assamese people.
Equations for the 2026 Assembly Elections:
As the new head of the Assam Congress, Gogoi must consider several factors. He should avoid aligning with the AIUDF, especially after its poor performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Badruddin Ajmal, once seen as a protector of Muslim interests, is now struggling to regain lost ground, while many of his party members, including MLAs, seem more inclined toward the Congress.
The delimitation process in 2024 made it clear that the Muslim community in Assam is now rallying behind the Congress. However, the party must also focus on regaining support in the greater Brahmaputra Valley.
Gogoi, being an Ahom himself, should begin campaigning with a focus on reclaiming support in the Ahom-dominated constituencies of Upper Assam.
At the same time, Gogoi must forge alliances with all anti-BJP parties in Assam for the upcoming BTC elections and next year’s Assembly polls. The APCC president should work in coordination with regional forces like Lurinjyoti Gogoi, Akhil Gogoi, and BTC leadership.
Is Gaurav the Next CM?
It’s too early to say, but with his appointment as the APCC chief, Gaurav Gogoi must now switch to aggressive campaign mode to make a real difference.