In this picture released on April 2, 2026, the LoP in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, as others look on, waves during a public meeting in Assam. Image: X/@INCIndia via PTI
GUWAHATI
In its manifesto for the April 9 assembly elections in the state, the Congress promised Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for six communities, formation of an anti-corruption commission to probe the Himanta Biswa Sarma government scam, a white paper on Assam’s financial situation and an urban flood mitigation plan.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, state party president Gaurav Gogoi and other senior leaders released the ‘Raijor Istahar (People’s Manifesto)’ at Bokajan in East Assam on Thursday (April 2, 2026).
“Based on inputs from the people of Assam, the manifesto outlines practical and realistic plans aimed at truly transforming the state. It is not just a set of promises, it is an assurance of guaranteed delivery,” Mr. Gogoi said.
The manifesto outlines 28 commitments, including five guarantees announced earlier by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. These include justice for the late Zubeen Garg, ₹50,000 each for women to start small businesses and land rights for 10 lakh indigenous people.
In the manifesto, Congress committed to five key tasks within the first 100 days of government formation to build public confidence, followed by institution building within one year and structural transformation within five years.
Key tasks include publication of a white paper on the financial situation of Assam; the creation of an anti-corruption commission; guaranteed annual grants and review panels for Panchayati Raj institutions; police reforms and fast-track trials for corruption, land and women cases; fully decentralized governance linked to performance with public reporting; and universal health care and 100% school enrollment.
Among the commitments is the contentious issue of granting ST status to six communities – Adivasis (“Tea Tribes”), Chutias, Koch-Rajbongshis, Mataks, Morans and Tai-Ahoms. According to the Congress, these communities have been let down by the BJP-led government.
Assam Assembly Elections: Complete Coverage
Other commitments include rehabilitation of displaced tribal communities; free hostel and educational facilities for children of widowed mothers; priority for widows in the housing, ration and health care systems; welfare boards for gig workers, auto drivers, e-rickshaw drivers and taxi drivers; reducing the debt burden of Assam; revival of the tea industry with optimal wages and benefits for plantation workers; and a climate-resistant and ecologically sustainable state.
The manifesto promises the Zubeen Garg Fellowship for Youth in Cultural Fields and the associated Center of Excellence for Arts and Culture. It also promises a mandatory weekly day off for police personnel, an Advocate Social Fund for lawyers and legal workers, and subsidized land for accredited journalists.
“Monopolies and media control by influential political families or business groups will be curtailed,” the manifesto reads.
Published – 02 Apr 2026 22:41 IST
