Congress Unveils Second List of Candidates for Assam Assembly Elections
On March 14, Congress announced its second list of candidates for the upcoming Assam assembly elections, revealing 23 new names while reserving 15 seats for coalition partners. This strategic move aims to consolidate anti-BJP votes and strengthen alliances ahead of the April elections. Key figures like Gaurav Gogoi and Debabrata Saikia are set to contest, highlighting the party's focus on maintaining a strong presence in the state. With a total of 65 candidates announced so far, Congress is positioning itself to leverage the prevailing anti-incumbency sentiment.
| Mar 15, 2026, 10:10 IST
Congress Announces New Candidates for Assam Elections
On Saturday, March 14, Congress released its second list of 23 candidates for the upcoming assembly elections in Assam, while leaving 15 seats for its coalition partners. The elections in this northeastern state are scheduled for April. With this latest announcement, the party has now declared a total of 65 candidates for the 126-member Assam assembly. According to the list issued by K.C. Venugopal, the party's General Secretary (Organization), candidates include Nurul Islam from Sri Jangram, Abdul Khalek from Mandia, Rakibuddin Ahmed from Chamaria, David Fukan from Tinsukia, and Bipul Gogoi from Tinkhong.
Previously, on March 3, Congress had announced its first list of 42 candidates for the Assam assembly elections, featuring the party's state president, Gaurav Gogoi, contesting from the Jorhat seat. By announcing its candidates ahead of the official election declaration, the party aims to gain an advantage. Debabrata Saikia, the leader of the Congress Legislative Party, will contest from the Nazira seat, while former PCC president Ripun Bora has been fielded from the Barholla seat.
Key Figures in the Election Race
High Stakes for Prominent Leaders
In an effort to create psychological pressure before the formal announcement of elections, Congress has taken the lead in ticket distribution. Several prominent figures from the party are now in the fray:
Gaurav Gogoi (State President): Contesting from the Jorhat seat.
Debabrata Saikia (CLP Leader): Running from his traditional Nazira seat.
Ripun Bora (Former PCC President): Contesting from the Barholla seat.
Strategic Analysis: Strengthening Alliances
Focus on Coalition Strength
To prevent the fragmentation of anti-BJP votes in Assam, Congress is prioritizing a 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) model. By leaving 15 seats for its allies, the party has signaled its commitment to giving regional parties due respect. This coalition aims to capitalize on the anti-incumbency sentiment in the elections scheduled for April.
Official Announcement
The Central Election Committee of Congress has selected the following persons as Congress candidates for the forthcoming elections to the Assam Legislative Assembly.👇 pic.twitter.com/WBlhYuzDF3
— Congress (@INCIndia) March 14, 2026