New Delhi — Congress leaders handed Priyanka Gandhi Vadra the task of finalizing candidates for the Assam assembly elections. The move highlights the party’s push to ramp up preparations for the state polls.

The choice emerged from a meeting of senior party figures on Saturday. Attendees included Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee chief Gaurav Gogoi, and state leaders Ripun Bora, Pradyut Bordoloi and Rakibul Hussain. Discussions covered alliance strategies and seat-sharing with opposition groups.

Gaurav Gogoi spoke to reporters afterward. He called for flexibility in talks with allies. ‘There is nothing like the number should be this much or that,’ Gogoi said. ‘The policy of adjustment and sacrifice is more important. How to win the election has to be the top agenda. Everybody will have to sacrifice.’

Gogoi noted that some party members believe Congress has already compromised enough. Still, he urged partners to seal a deal to beat the BJP. The Assam Jatiya Parishad and Raijor Dal have sent their seat requests. Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi wants 15 seats, according to sources.

Priyanka Vadra’s role stems from her recent Assam trip. Ripun Bora, who heads the party’s election management committee there, said she met block and district presidents plus PCC officials. Those one-on-one sessions gauged the local political scene and shaped strategy.

Party sources say leaders will focus on winnability, local ties and ground reports when picking candidates. Handing Vadra the reins aims to sharpen coordination for the campaign.

The meeting followed Vadra’s consultations with Assam workers. Officials stressed unity against the BJP. Gogoi repeated the goal: defeat BJP in as many seats as possible.

Assam sends 126 lawmakers to its assembly. Elections typically occur every five years. Congress seeks to reclaim ground after losses in 2021, when BJP-led allies won 86 seats.

Negotiations with allies will continue. Congress eyes a broad opposition front. Bora praised Vadra’s input as key to building momentum.

Gogoi dismissed fixed seat quotas. He pushed a pragmatic approach. Allies must prioritize victory, he said.

Insiders view Vadra’s involvement as a signal of high command focus on Assam. Her brother Rahul Gandhi has campaigned there before. The family name carries weight in the northeast state.

Polls could happen by early 2026. Congress wants its list ready soon. Vadra’s team will sift through aspirants based on feedback from the ground.

Bora detailed her visit schedule. She covered multiple districts. Workers shared challenges and opportunities against BJP rule.

The party faces tough odds. BJP governs Assam since 2016. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma leads a strong machine.

Still, Congress builds bridges. Raijor Dal and others bring regional pull. Akhil Gogoi’s group eyes upper Assam seats.

Gogoi wrapped up by appealing for compromise. ‘We have to ensure the defeat of BJP in most of the seats,’ he said.

Priyanka Vadra, 52, holds clout as general secretary. She has led Uttar Pradesh efforts before. Assam marks her deeper northeast role.