GUWAHATI, October 11, 2025, The Indian National Congress in Assam has declared that it remains firmly on track to make a comeback in the 2026 Assembly elections, even after facing a poor outcome in the recent Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) polls. Party leaders emphasized that the local council defeat would not derail their broader state-level strategy.
Senior Congress leader Abbas Hafiz said the BTC polls reflected local issues and not the overall mood of Assam’s voters. He urged party workers to stay motivated and focus on the larger mission ahead. Hafiz explained that assembly elections are decided by broader governance issues rather than regional or community-based concerns that dominate council polls.
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BTC Poll Results and Party’s Response
The BTC election results brought a surprise when the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) made a strong comeback, winning a majority of the seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) saw a decline in its influence in the area, while Congress struggled to make an impact.
According to Congress leaders, the BTC setback was due to regional identity politics and local leadership differences. They maintained that such results cannot be seen as an indicator of their performance in the upcoming state elections. The party is already working on a plan to strengthen its presence in the tribal and minority regions where its performance was weaker.
Hafiz stated that growing public frustration with unemployment and governance issues under the current state government is working in Congress’s favor. “People are demanding accountability and development. The wave of disappointment will soon turn into a wave of change,” he said.
Congress’s 2026 Revival Strategy
The Congress party has outlined a renewed strategy for its 2026 campaign that focuses on organization, leadership, and credibility.
- The first priority is rebuilding its grassroots network, particularly in rural and tribal constituencies. The party is deploying active workers in every booth to connect directly with voters.
- The second focus is on strong leadership visibility. Under state president Gaurav Gogoi, the Congress plans to conduct statewide tours, village-level meetings, and youth engagement drives to counter the BJP’s strong presence.
- The third area is policy communication. The Congress aims to present itself as a cleaner and people-centric alternative, promising transparent governance, job opportunities, and social harmony.
Party insiders believe that public fatigue with the current government’s promises will give Congress a new opening. They also argue that the BJP’s dominance is beginning to show cracks in regions where local grievances have not been addressed.
Challenges Ahead for Congress
While optimism runs high within Congress, analysts say the path to power in 2026 remains challenging. The BJP, under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has built a strong organizational structure and continues to benefit from large-scale welfare schemes that reach the grassroots.
Congress will have to overcome deep voter loyalty to the ruling party and present a credible vision for economic and social development. The growing influence of regional parties, especially in tribal and border areas, could also divide the opposition vote.
In addition, Congress must shed the perception that it lacks the energy and coordination needed to take on the BJP’s well-oiled campaign machinery. Leaders admit that image-building and communication will play a crucial role in reshaping voter perception over the next few months.
Despite these challenges, Congress leaders are confident that the mood in Assam is shifting. “Every government faces anti-incumbency, but what matters is who connects with people’s pain. We are doing that now,” said a party functionary.
BJP’s Reaction and Political Dynamics
The BJP, meanwhile, has brushed aside Congress’s optimism, claiming that the BTC outcome was limited to local politics and does not reflect the state’s overall sentiment. Party spokespersons maintain that BJP’s governance record and welfare programs will ensure a repeat victory in 2026.
Political observers believe that both parties are recalibrating their strategies. For the BJP, the BTC results serve as a reminder to strengthen its base in tribal areas. For the Congress, the loss is being seen as a reality check that demands better organization, outreach, and alliances.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Elections
As Assam moves closer to the 2026 Legislative Assembly elections, both major parties are ramping up their campaigns. Congress is counting on anti-incumbency and promises of transparent governance, while BJP is focusing on continuity and development.
The Congress leadership insists that 2026 will mark a new chapter in Assam’s politics. “We have learned from our setbacks,” said Hafiz. “The people are ready for change, and we will be the face of that change.”
