The Indian National Congress has intensified its preparations for the 2026 Assam Assembly elections after releasing its first list of candidates for the upcoming polls. The party announced 42 candidates in its initial list, signalling the beginning of its campaign strategy for the crucial electoral battle in the 126-member Assam Legislative Assembly.
Following the announcement, Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia congratulated the selected candidates and expressed confidence in their ability to serve the people of Assam with dedication and integrity.
Debabrata Saikia Extends Congratulations
In a message shared on Facebook, Debabrata Saikia extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all party candidates who secured nominations for the upcoming elections.
Saikia said he firmly believes that the candidates will work with commitment and dedication while upholding the trust and faith of the people.
In his message, he emphasised that the nominees should remain inspired by the ideology of the Congress party and dedicate themselves to serving the public. He also expressed hope that their collective efforts would contribute to building a strong and prosperous Assam.
Ending his message with the slogan “Jai Aai Axom,” Saikia wished success to all candidates in the electoral journey ahead.
Congress Releases First List of 42 Candidates
The first list of candidates for the 2026 Assembly elections was approved by the Central Election Committee of the Congress and formally released by AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal.
The list includes several prominent leaders and experienced politicians, indicating the party’s strategy to field seasoned figures in key constituencies across the state.
Among the major names announced:
- Gaurav Gogoi, President of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), will contest from Jorhat (100). His candidature signals the party’s intention to place him at the forefront of the election campaign across the state.
- Debabrata Saikia, Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Assembly, has been nominated from Nazira (97), a seat he currently represents.
- Senior Congress leader Ripun Bora, former APCC president and ex-Rajya Sabha MP, will contest from Barchalla (66).
- In the politically significant Dispur (33) constituency, the party has nominated Mira Borthakur Goswami, who has previously contested elections from the Guwahati region.
Key Contests Expected in Several Constituencies
The first list has already sparked political discussions in several constituencies, especially in Upper Assam.
One of the constituencies likely to witness a closely watched contest is Bihpuria (73), where the Congress has fielded Narayan Bhuyan. The seat could become a high-profile battleground if the BJP nominates Bhupen Bora, the former APCC chief who recently joined the BJP.
Political observers believe the outcome in Bihpuria may attract statewide attention given the shifting political alignments in the region.
Representation Across Regions
The candidate list reflects representation from multiple regions of Assam, including Lower Assam, Upper Assam, Central Assam, Barak Valley and Hill districts.
Some other notable candidates include:
- Girish Baruah – Bongaigaon
- Mahananda Sarkar – Barpeta (SC)
- Ramen Singh Rabha – Boko-Chaygaon (ST)
- Diganta Barman – Barkhetri
- Ashok Kumar Sarma – Nalbari
- Binanda Kumar Saikia – Sipajhar
- Utpal Bania – Raha (SC)
- Swapank Kar – Lumding
- Durga Bhumij – Doomdooma
- Prateek Bordoloi – Margherita
- Dhruba Gogoi – Duliajan
- Utpal Gogoi – Sonari
- Ajay Kumar Gogoi – Demow
- Indraneel Pegu – Majuli (ST)
- Bitupan Saikia – Golaghat
- Abhijit Paul – Silchar
- Aminul Haque Laskar – Sonai
- Jakaria Ahmed – Karimganj North
The list also includes candidates from several reserved constituencies, including Jagiroad (SC), Raha (SC), Barpeta (SC), Majuli (ST), Jonai (ST), Bokajan (ST), Rongkhang (ST) and others.
Alliance Talks Continue
The announcement of the candidate list comes at a time when the Congress is engaged in negotiations with potential ally Raijor Dal regarding seat-sharing arrangements.
Sources indicate that discussions are currently focused on resolving differences over a particular constituency. Despite the ongoing disagreement, both sides have reportedly reiterated their commitment to forming a broader opposition alliance.
More Candidate Lists Expected
With only 42 candidates announced so far, the Congress is expected to release additional lists in the coming days to finalise nominees for the remaining constituencies.
Political analysts believe the upcoming Assam Assembly election is likely to witness an intense contest, with the Congress attempting to consolidate opposition support and present a strong challenge to the ruling BJP-led alliance.
As the election campaign gathers momentum, party leaders, including APCC president Gaurav Gogoi and Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia, are expected to play central roles in mobilising support across the state.
The Congress leadership remains hopeful that the newly announced candidates will strengthen the party’s presence and help build momentum toward what it describes as a “stronger and more prosperous Assam.”
