Congress Unveils Comprehensive Manifesto for 2026 Assam Assembly Elections
In a significant political move, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi officially launched the party's manifesto for the upcoming 2026 Assam assembly elections on Thursday. The event took place in Karbi Anglong, while AICC leader Pawan Khera simultaneously presented the document in Tezpur, marking a coordinated statewide rollout.
Key Promises: ST Status and Tribal Empowerment
The manifesto, titled "Raijor Istahar," builds upon the five guarantees previously announced by Congress. A central commitment is granting Scheduled Tribe status to six communities: the tea tribes, Koch Rajbongshi, Tai Ahom, Adivasis, Chutia, Moran, and Matak. This pledge comes after BJP's manifesto also addressed ST status for these groups, indicating bipartisan recognition of this critical issue.
The document emphasizes tribal protection and development, promising to strengthen the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), and Dima Hasao councils with enhanced financial and administrative powers. Additionally, displaced tribal communities will receive rehabilitation support, and tribal lands will be safeguarded under the Sixth Schedule and Forest Rights Act, with measures to prevent encroachment.
Ambitious 100-Day Action Plan to Build Trust
Congress has outlined a detailed 100-day action plan designed to establish public confidence. This includes:
- Publishing a White Paper on the state's financial condition and establishing an anti-corruption commission.
- Implementing a transparent land records, revenue, and taxation system.
- Prioritizing local residents in government jobs and contracts.
- Providing immediate flood relief and initiating erosion control measures.
- Fast-tracking recruitment to fill vacancies in hospitals and schools.
The party also commits to ensuring justice for cultural icon Zubeen Garg within this period, alongside these five key tasks.
Transforming Assam into an Education and Economic Hub
The manifesto envisions Assam as a major education hub, featuring AI-enabled government schools. To reduce private tuition costs, the "Tuition Baideu" programme will be introduced. Furthermore, the "Porhiba Card" will offer education loans up to Rs 5 lakh at a 4% interest rate, repayable after employment.
Economic initiatives include the "Karmayogi Udyogi" scheme for men, which establishes a Rs 1,000 crore Assam Youth Entrepreneur Venture Fund to support first-time startups. Through the "Udyami Card," first-generation entrepreneurs can access collateral-free loans up to Rs 10 lakh at 4% interest.
Institution-Building and Long-Term Transformation
Within one year, Congress promises institution-building measures such as guaranteed annual grants and accountability dashboards for Panchayati Raj institutions, district-level single-window citizen service centers, police reforms, fast-track courts for corruption and women-related cases, MSME clusters, and upgraded district hospitals with expanded digital classrooms.
Over five years, the party aims for structural transformation, including fully decentralized and performance-linked governance with public reporting, an integrated digital governance system, universal healthcare, 100% school enrollment, significant reduction in flood and erosion impact, and doubling income with sustained employment growth.
Additional Commitments for Various Sectors
The manifesto addresses diverse groups with specific promises:
- Widows will receive priority in housing, ration, and healthcare schemes.
- Legal professionals will benefit from an Advocates' Welfare Fund, coverage of travel expenses for lawyers affected by High Court relocation, and the appointment of over 500 judicial clerks to expedite processes.
- Urban development includes a Smart Parking Policy for Guwahati and other cities to alleviate congestion.
- Cultural support will be provided through the "Zubeen Garg Fellowship" for youth in cultural fields.
Congress also reaffirmed its commitment to fully implementing the Assam Accord to ensure constitutional safeguards, underscoring a holistic approach to governance and development in the state.
