Assam CM Critiques Congress for Dynasty Politics Ahead of 2026 Elections

In a recent statement, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma criticized the Congress party for its candidate selection, accusing it of perpetuating dynasty politics. As Congress announced its first list of candidates for the 2026 Assembly elections, Sarma highlighted the prevalence of political heirs in their selections. He contrasted this with the BJP's approach, emphasizing the party's commitment to promoting leaders from grassroots backgrounds. This exchange marks a significant moment in the political landscape of Assam as both parties prepare for the upcoming elections.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 4, 2026, 13:29 IST

Political Dynamics in Assam: A Critique of Congress

Guwahati, March 4: On Wednesday, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his disapproval of the Congress party following their announcement of the first batch of 42 candidates for the upcoming 2026 Assam Assembly elections.

Sarma accused Congress of perpetuating what he termed 'dynasty politics'.

The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) revealed the candidate list late Tuesday, featuring prominent figures such as APCC president Gaurav Gogoi from Jorhat and Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia from Nazira.

In response to this announcement, Sarma pointed out that the Congress's choice of candidates indicates a trend of favoring political heirs over fresh faces in the political arena.

“A closer look at the Congress candidate list reveals a clear pattern of dynasty politics. It includes the son of Pradyut Bordoloi, the son of Bhumidhar Barman, the son of the late Tarun Gogoi, the son of the late Hiteswar Saikia, the daughter-in-law of a former Congress leader, and even the son of a sitting MP from Dhubri,” Sarma stated.

The Chief Minister noted that the list is heavily populated by individuals from established political families.

“This list essentially continues a legacy of political lineage, predominantly featuring descendants of well-known leaders, suggesting that political roles are being inherited,” he commented.

Contrasting this with the BJP's candidate selection process, Sarma emphasized that his party focuses on leaders emerging from grassroots backgrounds.

“If you examine the BJP’s Rajya Sabha candidate list, you will see a starkly different scenario. We have nominated individuals like Terash Gowalla, many of whom are not even known by their parents' names, as they have not been in the public eye,” Sarma remarked.

He also highlighted Assam minister Jogen Mohan, who, according to Sarma, did not hail from a political family but made his way up through grassroots efforts.

“Jogen Mohan’s parents are respected individuals, but he had no prior political involvement. His rise is attributed to hard work and commitment,” the Chief Minister added.

Sarma reiterated that the BJP's philosophy is focused on uplifting individuals from middle-class and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

“The Bharatiya Janata Party aims to elevate ordinary children from humble families. This is a core ideological distinction between the BJP and Congress,” he explained.

According to Sarma, the BJP's candidate selections for various elections, including Rajya Sabha, Lok Sabha, and assembly polls, predominantly feature leaders who have emerged from grassroots activism.

“If you analyze our candidate lists for the Rajya Sabha, by-elections, Lok Sabha, or the forthcoming Assembly elections, you will find that, with very few exceptions, nearly 99 percent of our candidates come from middle-class, lower middle-class, or economically modest backgrounds,” he stated.

“These individuals have been nurtured by the party and brought into public service through dedicated organizational efforts,” he concluded.

The Chief Minister's comments represent the latest exchange in the ongoing political rivalry between the ruling BJP and Congress as both parties gear up for the Assam Assembly elections, with candidate announcements and political strategies intensifying across the state.