The Assam unit of the Indian National Congress has called an important organisational review meeting on May 9 to examine the party’s poor performance in the recently concluded Assam Assembly elections, where the Congress-led opposition alliance faced a major defeat against the BJP-led NDA. The meeting has been convened by the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) and is expected to bring together senior party leaders and district-level office bearers from across the state. The discussion will mainly focus on the reasons behind the party’s disappointing electoral outcome and the future course of action for the organisation in Assam. A circular issued by APCC general secretary (organisation) Ramen Baruah asked party leaders concerned to remain present in Guwahati for the meeting. According to the notice, all PCC office bearers, District Congress Committee presidents, in-charge presidents and senior vice presidents have been directed to attend the review session.
Party sources said the leadership wants a detailed assessment from district units regarding campaign management, booth-level coordination, alliance strategy and voter response during the elections. The Congress leadership is also expected to seek feedback on local issues that may have affected the party’s performance in different constituencies. The Congress-led opposition alliance could secure only 19 seats in the 126-member Assam Assembly. In contrast, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance registered a massive victory by winning 102 seats, strengthening its hold over the state for another term. Political observers believe the result has raised serious concerns within the Congress regarding its organisational strength and connect with voters in Assam.
The review meeting is likely to discuss both political and organisational weaknesses that emerged during the election campaign. Meanwhile, Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi has already started internal discussions with party candidates and leaders following the election results. On Tuesday, he held a virtual interaction with Congress candidates to gather feedback from different constituencies and understand the reasons behind the defeat.
