Anti-incumbency can benefit Gaurav in 2026

Time of India

4 days ago

Guwahati: Upon taking charge as Assam PCC President on Tuesday, Gaurav Gogoi has instilled optimism among Congress members. They believe he can achieve what his father
Tarun Gogoi
accomplished by steering the party from opposition to power next year.
The party anticipates his leadership will guide them to triumph against the BJP in the 2026 assembly elections, reminiscent of how Tarun Gogoi previously defeated the AGP govt in 2001 and secured three consecutive terms against regional parties and BJP.
Tarun Gogoi, who served as the longest-tenured state PCC president, led the party in opposition during his presidency from 1986 to 90 and 1996 to 2002. He subsequently transformed the Assam Congress's trajectory, serving as chief minister from 2001 to 2016.
While he tackled insurgency and financial difficulties, senior Congress leaders observe that contemporary challenges are distinct. Those experienced in managing party affairs during testing times suggest anti-incumbency could benefit Gaurav in 2026.
Former Assam PCC president Bhupen Kumar Borah noted that Gaurav faces a different political scenario, confronting a "communal" and national force like BJP, unlike his father who opposed the secular-regional AGP.
"When Tarun Gogoi was state PCC chief, politics in Assam was not communal. But now its communal atmosphere and society is polarised, which is the biggest challenge before Gaurav Gogoi. But the lifeline for Gaurav is that BJP has ruled in Centre and state for more than 10 years.
Definitely, anti-incumbency has grown. The CM's image is no more like it was when he became CM. We must overcome polarisation politics to win," Borah added.
"Political atmospheres are different if we compare the times of Tarun Gogoi and Gaurav Gogoi. Ulfa insurgency was a big issue during Tarun Gogoi was PCC President. Assam Agitation was just over when Tarun Gogoi became PCC chief in 1986 and AGP govt was formed. Many Congressmen were killed in insurgency, Congress was boycotted. During that most crucial period from 1986 to 1990, Tarun Gogoi led Congress from the front," said Rituparna Konwar, senior spokesperson of the Assam Congress.
In 1991, the Congress returned to power in Assam with Hiteswar Saikia becoming CM and Tarun Gogoi was shifted to central politics.
Konwar highlighted present-day challenges, noting Assam's considerable debt under BJP administration, surpassing 1.76 lakh crore with per capita debt nearing Rs 48,000 crore. He acknowledged that while insurgency has diminished, Gaurav encounters different challenges with the party in opposition and alleged governmental interference.
"He is an able leader, known for his efficiency in Parliament. Last time in the Lok Sabha election, the entire BJP leadership tried to defeat him in Jorhat, but he won.
Now the govt is targeting him by accusing him of maintaining Pakistan links because they fear Gaurav Gogoi," said Konwar.
Assam Pradesh Youth Congress vice-president Rakesh Chakraborty expressed confidence in Gaurav's appointment, indicating he must address BJP's welfare scheme claims and highlight Congress's secular values to gain working-class backing.