Assam – The Assam Congress is preparing to announce its first set of candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections by the end of February, state party president Gaurav Gogoi said on February 18.
Speaking at a press conference, Gogoi explained that the central leadership has directed the state unit to complete the screening process quickly. He noted that about 80 names are expected to be finalized in the initial phase.
The announcement coincides with senior leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s scheduled two-day visit to Assam starting Thursday. Gogoi said she will meet party office-bearers, AICC observers, MLAs, district presidents, and members of frontal organizations. She is also expected to sit with the screening committee to review candidate selections and strengthen grassroots engagement.
Gogoi added that the Congress-led opposition alliance in Assam is working toward contesting the elections on a common platform, with seat-sharing talks currently underway among partners.
The 126-member Assembly is likely to go to polls in March–April. At present, the BJP holds 64 seats, its ally Asom Gana Parishad has nine, the United People’s Party Liberal seven, and one Independent supports the ruling side. On the opposition bench, Congress has 26 MLAs, the AIUDF 15, along with one Independent legislator.
