Congress Intensifies Grassroots Campaign in Assam with 'March for Change'
As the political landscape in Assam heats up in anticipation of the 2026 assembly elections, MP and Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Gaurav Gogoi spearheaded the "Samoy Poribortonor Yatra" or the March for Change of Times on Saturday. The event took place at Demow in Sivasagar district, attracting a substantial crowd of party workers, supporters, and local residents.
Large Turnout Marks the Yatra's Progress
The procession commenced from the public playground in Demow and saw participation from senior Congress leaders, including MP Pradyut Bordoloi, alongside hundreds of dedicated party members and enthusiastic supporters. Originally launched on February 5 from Manabendra Bhawan in Guwahati, this yatra, also known as "Mati Bachao, Jati Bachao" (Save the Land, Save the Community), aims to protect the rights of Assam's people. The second phase was initiated from Golaghat, covering various locations across the district to amplify its message.
Gogoi Criticizes BJP Government's Performance
Addressing the gathering, Gaurav Gogoi delivered a pointed critique of the ruling BJP government, accusing it of failing the people of Assam despite nearly a decade in power. He reminded attendees that the public had granted BJP opportunities in 2016 and 2021, hoping for transformation through the promised "double engine" government, but were left disillusioned. "The people of Assam now face a choice between an arrogant ruler and a true servant of the people," Gogoi asserted during one of the yatra's stops.
He assured that a Congress government would operate without threatening citizens or linking welfare benefits to political participation, emphasizing a fair and inclusive approach.
Allegations of Land Encroachment and Power Misuse
Taking aim at the ruling dispensation, Gogoi alleged that during the same period, one family had acquired ownership of 12,000 bighas of land across Assam. He stated that the yatra is exposing such instances of alleged land encroachment and misuse of power, with the public response being overwhelmingly supportive. This campaign highlights concerns over resource distribution and governance integrity.
Congress Outlines Key Promises for 2026 Elections
Gogoi reiterated the Congress's key promises for the upcoming 2026 elections. He assured that if Congress forms the government, all existing schemes would continue and be improved, with benefits distributed equitably to deserving individuals regardless of party affiliations. This approach aims to avoid the current concentration of multiple benefits in single households while others are deprived.
Additionally, Gogoi announced that a Congress government would introduce a special development package for areas along the Assam–Nagaland border. Residents in these regions have long complained of insecurity and inadequate infrastructure, and this initiative seeks to address their longstanding grievances.
Political Battleground Intensifies in Assam
With the BJP simultaneously rolling out its own "Jana Ashirwad Yatra" across the state, Assam's streets have become a vibrant battleground for both parties as they make their final appeals to voters. For Congress, the Samoy Poribortonor Yatra represents its most intensive grassroots outreach in years—a campaign the party hopes will translate into a decisive electoral turnaround in 2026.
This heightened political activity underscores the competitive nature of Assam's upcoming elections, with both major parties vying for public support through extensive campaigns and promises of change.
