Mallikarjun Kharge launches five guarantees in Assam rally, targeting BJP governance. Congress intensifies 2026 election campaign in Naoboicha with welfare promises, tribal outreach, and strong opposition narrative in Upper Assam’s key battleground constituency.
In a high-voltage political rally in Assam’s Naoboicha Assembly constituency, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday launched a sharp offensive against the BJP while unveiling an ambitious five-point “guarantee” agenda ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. The rally, held in Lakhimpur district, drew significant attention as the Congress intensified its campaign in Upper Assam, a region considered crucial for electoral success.
Kharge was accompanied by senior party leaders including former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Jharkhand leader Bandhu Tirkey, and Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Gaurav Gogoi. The leaders rallied behind Congress candidate Dr Joy Prakash Das, positioning him as a strong contender in what is shaping up to be a closely fought contest.
Five Guarantees: Congress Pitch for Welfare and Growth
Addressing the gathering, Kharge outlined five key promises that the Congress intends to implement if voted to power in Assam. The proposals are aimed at addressing economic distress, unemployment, and social welfare concerns across the state.
Among the most prominent announcements was a financial assistance package for women, including ₹9,000 per month and an additional ₹50,000 to support small business initiatives. Kharge emphasized that empowering women economically would drive broader social and economic progress.
The Congress chief also promised a comprehensive insurance scheme offering ₹25 lakh coverage per family, alongside land pattas for 10 lakh indigenous “bhumiputras.” Additionally, he pledged a monthly financial assistance of ₹1,250 per family, targeting economically weaker sections.
In a politically sensitive assurance, Kharge stated that “justice” would be delivered in the Zubeen Garg case within 100 days of forming the government, a statement likely aimed at resonating with local sentiments.
Sharp Attack on BJP Governance
Launching a scathing critique of the ruling government, Kharge accused the BJP of failing to safeguard the rights of indigenous communities in Assam. He alleged that the party prioritizes corporate interests over the welfare of ordinary citizens, a claim that formed the core of Congress’s attack strategy.
Echoing his remarks, Baghel, Tirkey, and Gogoi highlighted issues such as rising unemployment, agrarian distress, and unresolved land disputes. They argued that the BJP-led administration has neglected rural Assam, leading to economic stagnation and growing public dissatisfaction.
Bandhu Tirkey’s presence at the rally was particularly significant. Known for his grassroots mobilization among Adivasi communities, his involvement signals Congress’s broader strategy to consolidate tribal and marginalized voter bases across regions.
Naoboicha: A Crucial Electoral Battleground
The Naoboicha Assembly constituency, located in Assam’s Lakhimpur district, has emerged as a key battleground in Upper Assam politics. Falling under the Lakhimpur Lok Sabha constituency, the seat has historically witnessed closely contested elections with shifting voter loyalties.
Following the delimitation exercise in 2023, Naoboicha has been reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates, a move expected to significantly alter political dynamics and campaign strategies ahead of the 2026 polls.
In the 2021 Assam Assembly elections, Congress leader Bharat Chandra Narah secured victory, defeating Independent candidate Ajijur Rahman by a margin of 3,613 votes. The win reaffirmed Congress’s relevance in the constituency, largely attributed to Narah’s strong grassroots connect.
However, the constituency’s electoral history reflects volatility. In 2016, the seat was won by an AIUDF candidate, underscoring the fragmented nature of the voter base and the influence of local factors such as caste equations and candidate credibility.
High Stakes Ahead of 2026 Elections
As the 2026 Assembly elections approach, Naoboicha is set to witness intense competition. Key contenders include Congress candidate Dr Joy Prakash Das, AAP’s Achyut Das, and AGP’s Basanta Das. The introduction of SC reservation, combined with multi-party participation, is expected to make the contest even more unpredictable.
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With the Congress aggressively pushing its welfare-driven narrative and the BJP defending its governance record, the political battle in Naoboicha could have wider implications for Upper Assam’s electoral landscape. Kharge’s rally marks a decisive step in the Congress campaign, signaling a renewed push to reclaim political ground in the region.
