16-JULY-2025, 01:00PM
Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge landed in Guwahati, Assam, on Monday to attend a crucial Political Affairs Committee (PAC) meeting of the party, focused on strengthening organisational strategies in the northeastern states. The high-level visit comes amid political tensions, internal party assessments, and growing concerns raised by senior leader Gaurav Gogoi, who warned that the Congress may struggle to deliver justice to the people if it doesn’t re-strategise and connect more deeply with the ground realities of Assam.
The event, featuring the presence of key Congress figures including Rahul Gandhi, underscores the party’s attempt to reassert itself in a region where it has lost significant political ground to the BJP and regional parties in recent years.
Rahul Gandhi in Assam – A Strategic Move for Northeast Revival
Rahul Gandhi : Rebuilding the Party Base in Assam
Rahul Gandhi’s arrival in Guwahati signals a renewed push by the Indian National Congress to regain lost ground in the northeastern political theatre. Once a stronghold of the Congress, Assam has in recent years shifted toward the BJP-led alliance, largely due to issues like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), NRC, and development-centric narratives promoted by the ruling government.
The PAC meeting led by Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge is reportedly focused on rebuilding grassroots connections, correcting past errors, and identifying potential candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha and state assembly elections.
Rahul Gandhi : Focus on Youth and Tribal Outreach
During his visit, Rahul Gandhi emphasised youth mobilisation, the need for inclusive representation, and the importance of reaching out to tribal and tea garden communities — historically loyal vote banks that have begun to drift away from Congress.
Party insiders suggest that Gandhi is expected to hold closed-door consultations with youth leaders and local coordinators, while also exploring alliances with regional influencers and social movements.
Rahul Gandhi : Gaurav Gogoi Voices Concern Over Congress’ Assam Strategy
Rahul Gandhi : “Struggle for Justice” – A Warning, Not Just a Statement
Amid the strategic push, Congress MP and deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, offered a reality check. Speaking to reporters just before the PAC meeting, Gogoi said:
“The Congress needs to move beyond symbolic visits and take strong, decisive action in Assam. Without a deep and consistent grassroots engagement, the party will struggle to ensure justice and opportunity for the people.”
His remarks, while intended to ignite internal accountability, also highlight the disconnect between the national leadership and regional expectations.
Internal Party Dynamics at Play
Sources close to the party suggest that Gogoi’s comments are reflective of broader concerns among Assam-based Congress leaders. There is a growing call for the national leadership, including Rahul Gandhi, to empower regional units with greater autonomy in campaign design and narrative-building, instead of top-down directives.
Political observers believe this candid assessment could lead to more region-specific approaches within the Congress party’s overall national strategy.
Rahul Gandhi’s Broader Political Messaging
A National Leader in a Regional Battle
While Rahul Gandhi remains a prominent national leader, his increasing presence in regional affairs — from Manipur to Karnataka, and now Assam — is seen as a conscious effort to build pan-India resonance. During the Guwahati meet, he reiterated themes of secularism, democratic values, and inclusive governance — narratives that the Congress hopes will strike a chord in Assam’s diverse socio-political landscape.
He also criticised the ruling BJP government’s handling of flood management, border conflicts, and unemployment, asserting that “Assam needs attention, not just slogans.”
“Bharat Jodo” Legacy Continues
Rahul Gandhi is reportedly keen to build on the momentum of his Bharat Jodo Yatra, using it as a template for regional revitalisation. The Assam visit is part of a broader plan to apply that grassroots-style engagement across all vulnerable states, particularly where the Congress once had deep roots.
Gandhi’s travel schedule also indicates upcoming visits to other northeastern states like Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Manipur.
PAC Meeting Agenda – 2024 General Elections in Sight
Preparing for Electoral Battle
The PAC meeting in Guwahati covered topics such as booth-level mobilisation, candidate selection criteria, social media outreach, and alliance formations. With the 2024 general elections fast approaching, Rahul Gandhi and the Congress leadership are prioritising constituencies where the party still has an electoral base but has seen performance dips due to lack of coordination or resources.
The Assam unit of Congress is expected to present its road map by the end of this month.
Women’s Representation, Anti-CAA Sentiment Discussed
Another focal point of the PAC was enhancing women’s representation in the party structure and candidate lists. Several senior leaders highlighted the persistent anti-CAA sentiment in the region, suggesting that the party could leverage it to mobilise public opinion — provided it presents a clear and consistent alternative narrative.
Rahul Gandhi reportedly endorsed these suggestions, promising greater support from the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in implementing them.
Public Reaction and Political Response
Congress Supporters Welcome Visit
Many local Congress workers and student leaders expressed enthusiasm about Rahul Gandhi’s visit, calling it a “morale boost” in times when the party is struggling to maintain political relevance in the state. Supporters gathered at the airport and PAC venue, chanting slogans and displaying banners calling for unity and justice.
Some youth volunteers noted that Rahul’s direct interaction was refreshing, compared to the more corporate-style politics now common in Indian parties.
BJP Dismisses the Move as “Too Late”
Meanwhile, BJP leaders in Assam have dismissed the Congress visit as “too little, too late.” State BJP spokesperson Ranjeet Das stated:
“No matter how many visits Rahul Gandhi makes, the people of Assam have already made their choice. Congress is only reacting, not leading.”
He also accused the Congress of politicising regional issues without offering concrete solutions.
Conclusion: Can Rahul Gandhi Reignite the Congress in Assam?
As Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge wrap up their high-stakes visit to Assam, the question remains — can the Congress reinvent itself in a state where its influence has steadily declined?
While the PAC meeting and Gogoi’s candid remarks show that the party is reflecting deeply, much depends on whether these discussions translate into action on the ground. With 2024 on the horizon, and the northeastern region gaining more strategic importance, the Congress cannot afford symbolic gestures — it must deliver.
For now, the spotlight is back on Rahul Gandhi — not just as a national figure, but as a leader with regional responsibilities in a rapidly changing political landscape.
Source : ANI
