The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) is gearing up for the upcoming Panchayat elections with a focus on organizational restructuring and strategic planning. In a six-hour meeting of the Political Affairs Committee held at Rajiv Bhawan, Guwahati, the party outlined several resolutions to strengthen its grassroots connectivity and electoral readiness.
Key among the decisions was the formation of district-level Political Affairs Committees within a week. These committees will monitor party activities in their respective regions and ensure a streamlined approach to organizational challenges. To enhance local leadership, block-level presidents will be appointed for constituencies restructured under the delimitation process, with a preference for candidates under the age of 50. However, current block presidents exceeding this age will continue their terms.
To steer Panchayat poll preparations, a special committee was established, including MP Rakibul Hussain, former MP Ripun Bora, senior leader Pranati Phukan, and General Secretary Sanju Barua as the coordinator. The APCC emphasized accountability, mandating written recommendations for candidates with proposers held responsible for outcomes.
The party also explored alliances with anti-BJP groups for the Panchayat and Autonomous Council elections. District-level committees were authorized to negotiate locally, though APCC President Bhupen Kumar Borah admitted that forging alliances at the Panchayat level requires delicate handling due to local dynamics.
Further resolutions included prioritizing diversity in leadership roles, with district president appointments emphasizing representation from tea tribes and indigenous communities. A digital membership drive was also finalized under the guidance of AICC General Secretary Jitendra Singh to boost engagement.
Looking beyond the Panchayat polls, the APCC is preparing for a high-level strategy meeting with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi by January 2025. The meeting will focus on plans for the 2026 Assam Assembly elections, marking a critical phase in the party’s roadmap to regain political prominence in the state.
