The Indian National Congress has formally commenced its crucial candidate selection process for the upcoming Assam Legislative Assembly elections, signalling the start of its campaign to reclaim power in the state. In a significant organisational move, the party has appointed Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to chair the powerful screening committee for Assam.
Priyanka Gandhi to Steer Key Screening Panel
The screening committee, a vital body responsible for shortlisting and recommending candidates for the party ticket, will be led by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the Congress General Secretary. This assignment underscores her increasing organisational role in states where the party sees a strong opportunity for revival. The committee's formation was announced on January 3, 2026.
Joining her on this pivotal committee are three senior Members of Parliament, bringing a mix of regional and national experience. The other members are Saptagiri Ulaka, Imran Masood, and Sirivella Prasad. Their collective task will be to evaluate aspirants and finalise a list of candidates who can best represent the Congress and challenge the incumbent government.
Congress Eyes a Comeback After Decade-Long Gap
The formation of this high-powered committee is not a routine exercise. It is a strategic step rooted in a clear political objective. The Congress party has set its sights on returning to power in Assam, a state where it has been out of government for ten years. The last Congress-led government in the state ended in 2016.
This long hiatus has made the upcoming electoral battle a critical one for the party's fortunes in the North-East. The screening committee's recommendations will directly shape the face of the Congress campaign, making its decisions instrumental to the party's goal of mounting a credible and winning challenge.
Strategic Implications and Road Ahead
The appointment of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to lead this effort is seen as a move to inject energy and central oversight into the candidate selection process. Her involvement is expected to draw significant attention and could be a unifying factor for various factions within the state unit. The committee's work will involve extensive consultations, background checks, and strategic assessments of each constituency.
The other committee members bring their own strengths. Saptagiri Ulaka, an MP from Odisha, offers perspective from another eastern state. Imran Masood, a MP from Uttar Pradesh, and Sirivella Prasad provide additional national-level experience to the deliberations. Their first major task will be to sift through potential candidates and present a panel to the Congress Central Election Committee for final approval.
As the election cycle heats up, the decisions made by this screening committee will be the first major indicator of the Congress's strategy and seriousness in Assam. The party is hoping that a careful and persuasive selection of candidates, combined with a focused campaign, can help it break the decade-long hold of its rivals and stage a political comeback in the important state.
