The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has plunged into an internal crisis after it issued formal showcause notices to two of its district unit presidents on Tuesday. The leaders face disciplinary action for allegedly failing to follow the party high command's direct orders to organise protests against key central government policies.
Defiance of Directives Triggers Disciplinary Action
The state unit, under the leadership of APCC President Gaurav Gogoi, served the notices to Bajali district president Guptamoni Sarma and Darrang district chief Rijumani Talukdar. The core accusation is their refusal to adhere to clear instructions from the All India Congress Committee (AICC).
The AICC had mandated all district committees to hold demonstrations on December 21, 2025. The protests were aimed at condemning the BJP-led central government's decision to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar scheme. According to the official notices, no such programmes were conducted in the Bajali and Darrang districts, representing a clear breach of party discipline.
Multiple Charges and a Tight Deadline
Beyond the protest snub, the district presidents are also accused of ignoring Gaurav Gogoi's directive to rally against the alleged failures of the Jal Jeevan Mission in Assam. This dual defiance has prompted the state leadership to take a stern stance.
The showcause notices demand a written explanation from both leaders. They have been given a strict deadline of two days from the receipt of the notice to justify why disciplinary action should not be initiated against them for "negligence and violation of party discipline." This move highlights the APCC's attempt to enforce a unified strategy against the ruling dispensation.
Broader Rift Within State Unit
This incident is not isolated and points to a deeper conflict between the Assam Congress leadership and some of its grassroots units. The timing is critical, with the state gearing up for the 2026 assembly elections. A cohesive and active party machinery is considered essential for mounting a significant electoral challenge.
Adding to the leadership's concerns are separate allegations against Dima Hasao district Congress president Heijerangbe Nriame. He is facing criticism for being "completely non-cooperative" during a visit by senior Congress leaders to the hill district on December 20. He allegedly failed to mobilise any party workers or organisations for a planned consultation, indicating further coordination issues within the party's regional structure.
The issuance of these notices signals the APCC's intent to crack down on indiscipline and ensure compliance from its district units. How the accused leaders respond, and whether this leads to a resolution or further internal friction, will be closely watched as the political landscape in Assam intensifies ahead of the crucial state polls.
