Gaurav Gogoi leads Assam party revamp ahead of polls

Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi has launched a major organisational revamp to revitalise the party ahead of next year’s Assembly elections. Gogoi, who recently took charge of the state unit, is focusing on reconnecting with leaders, workers and loyal supporters who once stood firmly behind his father, the late Tarun Gogoi, one of Assam’s tallest political figures.

Under his leadership, the Congress has appointed new district presidents, reshuffled booth-level leadership, and assigned fresh responsibilities to senior leaders and grassroots workers. Various committees have been formed to handle campaign strategy, election management and voter outreach. Gogoi has also strengthened the party’s social media team, recognising digital outreach as an essential tool to counter political opponents and engage with Assam’s youth.

However, Gogoi’s leadership has not been without controversy. Allegations about his supposed links with Pakistan have been repeatedly raised by BJP leaders, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently claiming he would reveal detailed evidence by September 10. While the BJP has criticised the Congress for choosing a leader they accuse of having “anti-national” connections, the Congress high command has stood firmly by Gogoi.

On his first visit to Assam since Gaurav Gogoi assumed charge as the state Congress president, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of corruption and misuse of power, and said that one day, "Congress lions" will send him to jail.

Responding to the allegations of corruption by Gandhi, Himanta Sarma wrote on X, "I have heard that you are out on bail facing allegations of massive corruption involving over rupees 5,000 crore in the National Herald scam. You will be remembered as one of the most corrupt Congress presidents in India. To be honest, your words make no difference to me - because I know, and the country knows, that you are one of the most corrupt leaders in India today."

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