Can Congress win Assam? Gaurav Gogoi shares insights and plans | Exclusive Interview

In Assam’s assembly elections, young leader Gaurav Gogoi is emerging as the face of the Congress. As president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), he is steering the party into what could be a decisive contest in the state. The election narrative is increasingly shaping up as a direct face-off between Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Gogoi.

Gaurav Gogoi, MP from Jorhat and former Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, is contesting the assembly polls from Jorhat. The Titabar assembly constituency in Upper Assam, close to Jorhat, holds special significance for him. His late father, former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, represented Titabar in the assembly four times since 2001, and the Gogoi family’s roots are firmly embedded in the area.

On Saturday, Gogoi campaigned in Titabar, driving an open vehicle despite drizzle. Women and children stood outside their homes along the route, waving as he delivered short speeches. Rally venues drew large crowds, reflecting strong local engagement. Like Kerala, Assam has received untimely rains, with greenery and homes set amid fields, though occasional tea plantations mark the landscape.

Congress is mounting a robust campaign in Upper Assam, bringing national leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, to strengthen its push for a comeback in the region. Gogoi also discussed Kerala’s election developments during his conversation with Mathrubhumi.

What is your impression halfway through the Assam campaign?

The Congress-led alliance will come to power. No doubt. People of Assam are fed up with BJP. Congress is pitching a development-focused Assam without fear or division. Unlike the previous election, our alliance is stronger. We are approaching the polls well-prepared, having considered all matters carefully.

Has the exit of leaders like Bhupen Kumar Borah and Pradyut Bordoloi affected the party’s organisational structure?

Not in the least. Not just leaders from Congress exited. But also, many joined Congress including even former BJP ministers. Look at how many leaders recently shifted from BJP to other parties.

The strategy to weaken Congress by removing leaders is being played by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for some time?

Himanta Biswa Sarma leads a group of self-interested individuals involved in illegal activities and corruption. Himanta and his associates are mired in corruption. He has systematically sidelined old BJP leaders. Those who opposed party policies during the Congress rule and brought badmouth to the party by taking wrong means have now joined Himanta. I emphasise, the contest is not between Congress and BJP but between Congress and Himanta’s faction Congress. Rooted in the ideas, Congress is engaging the public by highlighting the people-friendly governance under Tarun Gogoi, while Himanta advances a corrupt group.

Have Himanta’s strategies boosted BJP’s growth recently?

Without power, Himanta cannot move forward even for a moment. Many cases are pending against him. If he loses power, he will be the first to leave BJP. Watch closely; he will move maniacally with his associates. There is no doubt BJP will lose in Assam this time.

Will communal polarisation influence the elections?

The public will reject attempts at polarisation. People cannot be misled with such tactics. Himanta’s actions are inconsistent. While spreading false propaganda against minorities, Himanta will ally with any party for his gains. He himself has said he has close cooperation with All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) leader Badruddin Ajmal. AIUDF votes contributed to an NDA candidate’s victory in the Rajya Sabha polls. Some AIUDF leaders have joined NDA allies. Himanta and BJP’s moves to divide voters will not succeed now.

Will BJP leaders’ claims about poor women’s welfare schemes affect polls?

During both UPA rule at the Centre and Congress rule in Assam, welfare schemes and benefits for women were implemented. The difference is that BJP attaches conditions and threats to these benefits, forcing recipients to vote for BJP or participate in party activities. Congress has not imposed such conditions or pressures. Women in the state understand this difference and will reject coercion. They will respond at the ballot box.

Key issues Congress is emphasising in Assam elections?

Assam faces multiple challenges, primarily unemployment. Lack of jobs forces youth to migrate. This must change. Statewide development and rights of the poor and tribal communities are vital. Tribal people must receive land rights. The Himanta Biswa Sarma government has given around 12,000 acres of tribal land to corporations. This needs to be fixed.