In a major boost for the opposition Congress in Assam, the party experienced an unprecedented surge in ticket aspirants on Monday, with around 300 individuals submitting their application forms in a single day—the highest ever recorded for the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC). Party sources described it as an all-time high for one-day submissions, signaling strong enthusiasm among workers and leaders ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
APCC treasurer Hemahari Pegu confirmed that more than 600 applications have been received so far across various constituencies. Tuesday marks the final deadline for submissions. The list of applicants includes several prominent figures: sitting MLAs Wazed Ali Choudhury, Pradip Sarkar, and Abdul Baten Khandkar; former minister Pranati Phukan; former MLA Rozlina Tirkey; and senior leaders such as Benu Nath, Gopal Sharma, Utpal Gogoi, Deep Bayan, Ajay Gogoi, and Manoranjan Buragohain.
Other notable names who filed include Pallavi Saikia, Bidisha Neog, Palakshi Das, Ratul Kalita, Ratul Patowary, Luit Kumar Barman, Kridip Barman, Tanzil Hussain, Mohsin Khan, and Jeherul Islam. The heavy turnout reflects growing confidence within the party ranks as it prepares to challenge the ruling BJP, which has held power in Assam for two consecutive terms since 2016.
Also Read: Shivakumar Back in Bengaluru Still Waiting for Congress High Command's Leadership Decision
The Congress high command has already intensified preparations for the polls. Last week, a key strategy meeting was held at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence in Delhi’s 10, Rajaji Marg. The discussions involved former party chief Rahul Gandhi, senior observers Bhupesh Baghel and DK Shivakumar, AICC general secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal, Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi, and AICC in-charge Jitendra Singh.
The upcoming Assam Assembly elections, covering all 126 seats, are expected in the first half of 2026, likely alongside polls in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry. For Congress, reclaiming Assam remains a top priority after being out of power since 2016, and the massive response from ticket seekers is being viewed as an encouraging sign of revival in the state.
Also Read: DK Shivakumar Ditches Davos for Assam Polls Strategy