Congress is Preparing a People’s Manifesto for 2026 Elections: Pradyut Bordoloi in Silchar

Nagaon MP and Congress Manifesto Committee Chairman Pradyut Bordoloi on Wednesday (December 24) said that his four-day visit to the Barak Valley was part of the Congress party’s manifesto consultation tour. Ahead of the Assam Assembly Elections 2026, Bordoloi along with senior Congress members toured the three districts, Cachar, Sribhumi and Hailakandi to understand the nerve of the public, aimed at preparing a clear roadmap for the state and a “People’s Manifesto”.

Addressing a press meet in Silchar after concluding the second phase of consultations, Bordoloi said the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) is working towards drafting a people’s manifesto, shaped directly by public feedback. “This manifesto will not be prepared sitting in drawing rooms. We are listening to the people of Assam to build a progressive state for 2026,” he said.

He informed that the manifesto consultation exercise is being carried out through five groups, each led by a senior Congress leader. The groups are headed by Gaurav Gogoi, Debabrata Saikia, Bhupen Borah, Rakibul Hussain and Ripun Bora. These teams are touring different directions across Assam, interacting with people from all linguistic, cultural, ethnic and social backgrounds.

Bordoloi said the consultation process began on December 6 with Phase 1, followed by Phase 2 which concluded on December 24 in the Barak Valley. The third phase is scheduled from January 4 to January 10, 2026. “More than 200 groups were consulted in the Barak Valley alone, including lawyers, small businessmen, farmers, fishermen, ethnic communities and people from all religious backgrounds. Their suggestions will shape the manifesto,” he said.

Highlighting regional concerns, Bordoloi noted that despite ten years of BJP rule, many development projects remain incomplete. “People from Karimganj (now Sribhumi) and Hailakandi have alleged that development is concentrated only in Silchar. Our manifesto will clearly address the holistic development of all three districts of the Barak Valley,” he said, adding that reducing the perceived distance between the Barak and Brahmaputra valleys would be a key focus.

On candidate selection, Bordoloi said the Congress follows a “time-tested and dynamic” process. “New blood will be given opportunities, guided by experienced leaders. That balance will reflect in our ticket distribution as well,” he added.

Concluding, Bordoloi said feedback from across Assam would now be compiled to prepare the final manifesto and roadmap for the 2026 elections, with the Barak Valley’s aspirations playing a significant role in the party’s vision.