When Rahul Leads, Priyanka Waits? Congress Poll Strategy In Assam, Kerala Sparks Fresh Debate

Last Updated:March 18, 2026, 12:11 IST

Congress’ decision to deploy Priyanka Vadra in Assam has raised questions over strategy as her limited presence in Kerala fuels cadre unease and highlights internal power dynamics

In the run-up to assembly elections, Congress has deployed two of its strongest leaders in Assam—DK Shivakumar and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra—leaving many within the party puzzled about the strategy.

Polling in Kerala and Assam is scheduled for April 9. Priyanka Vadra will be engaged as an observer and main campaign manager in Assam, where the edge is with the BJP. There have been some big-ticket exits ahead of the polls, including Barun Bora and Pradyut Bordoloi. And with Gaurav Gogoi being targeted by the BJP over his wife’s alleged Pakistan links, both Priyanka Vadra, as a star campaigner, and DK Shivakumar, as a master strategist, will have to take on the mantle of pulling the party through.

But with Kerala polls on the same day, one is left wondering what Priyanka Vadra will do in the southern state from where she is an MP. In fact, over the last few days, she has been rarely seen in her state, which has witnessed campaigns and visits by Rahul Gandhi and KC Venugopal among other party leaders. Her absence from even Wayanad has caught the attention of party cadre, who feel that with her oratorial skills and easy connect with people, she could give the LDF a run for its money if she makes her presence felt.

In Assam, the choice of DK Shivakumar and Priyanka is seen as an attempt by the Congress central leadership to strengthen the hand of Gaurav Gogoi, who has been given a chance in the state. But even the most optimistic Congress leaders there are not too hopeful of a win. So, if the Congress faces a defeat, questions could be raised over Priyanka Vadra’s ability to deliver electorally. But if the Congress wins in Kerala, the credit is likely to go to Rahul Gandhi and his close group of leaders who have been leading the campaign there.

This quirky situation once again exposes the battle for supremacy between the Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra coteries. To many, it is obvious that Rahul Gandhi will always have an edge over his sister, who has usually shone in his absence but is often sidelined when he is active. As the saying goes in party circles: when Rahul Gandhi is around, Priyanka is pushed to the margins.

The exit of Assam leaders is being seen as a setback to Priyanka Vadra’s ability to keep the flock together. More exits, followed by a defeat, would be another scar on her record, while Rahul Gandhi could emerge largely unscathed. For now, the Congress remains caught in these strange power equations at the top.

News politics When Rahul Leads, Priyanka Waits? Congress Poll Strategy In Assam, Kerala Sparks Fresh Debate

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