Dibrugarh: The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) launched its statewide campaign, “Raijor Podulit, Raijor Congress,” on Friday in Dibrugarh, unveiling “Aspirational Boxes” aimed at shaping a people-centred manifesto and vision document for the upcoming Assembly elections.
APCC President Gaurav Gogoi, along with Manifesto Committee Chairman Pradyut Bordoloi, Senior Vice President Pranati Phukan, former minister and Political Advisory Committee member Prithvi Majhi, former Union Minister Paban Singh Ghatowar, and District President Bipul Rabha, formally launched the campaign. The event marked a key step in the party’s efforts to engage directly with citizens ahead of the next Assembly elections.
The launch witnessed the participation of several prominent community organisations from Eastern Assam, including the Asom Chah Karmachari Parishad, Indian Red Cross Society, Lion’s Club Dibrugarh, All Assam Small Tea Growers Association, Koch Rajbanshi Sammelan, Assam Bhakat Sangtha, Bar Association Dibrugarh, Tai Ahom Yuva Parishad, All Assam Sonowal Kachari Samaj, Ahom Sabha Dibrugarh, Mottak Yuva Satra Sammilan, All Assam Kaibarta Yuva Satra Sammilan, and the Sonowal Kachari Students Union, among others.
Manifesto Committee Chairman Pradyut Bordoloi said the initiative aims to build a roadmap that reflects the needs and aspirations of every community in Assam.
“Our aim is to build a roadmap that earns the trust of every community in Assam. This initiative is not just for an election, it is for the future. We want the voices of the people to be heard, understood, and reflected in a manifesto that truly represents them.”
He added, “Across the state, the Congress workers will meet people and take their opinions to shape a people’s manifesto that captures their aspirations, addresses their issues, and lays out a path for progress be it better salaries, new employment opportunities for the youth, or overall upliftment of everyday life. Most importantly, we want to listen to and understand the people of Assam.”
The APCC also held informal interactions with various community groups to gather feedback on organisational functioning and ways to strengthen grassroots engagement.
APCC President Gaurav Gogoi said Congress is now focused on taking its gradually increasing organisational strength directly to the people.
As part of the campaign, the party launched health camps in tea garden areas on November 30, and from December 6 onward, its leaders will begin direct interactions with various communities.
By the end of the month, Congress teams—divided into five groups—will tour the state across five zones: Eastern Assam, Central Assam, Western Assam, Barak Valley and the Hill districts. The leaders will undertake a statewide Yatra to engage with farmers, labourers, contractors, youths and people from all sections of society.
Gogoi added that following the opposition alliance meeting held on November 12, the parties will organise a joint convention in January to present a unified vision for Assam.
He criticised the current government, alleging that governance has become “monarchical.” “Today, it feels like a monarchy—those in Dispur act as they please. Whether it’s the 108 services or polytechnic facilities, even minor issues lead to suspensions. We want to serve the people, not rule like a king,” he said.
In the weeks ahead, booth, mandal and district committees will install more than 4,000 Aspirational Boxes at high-footfall locations across the state, including markets, community halls, tea garden labour lines, bus stops, playgrounds, and areas near schools and colleges.
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The campaign comes at a time when several key issues remain unresolved — from the unfulfilled promise of a flood-free Assam and tea workers still receiving Rs 250 instead of the assured Rs 351, to pending ST status demands, stalled women’s welfare schemes, high maternal mortality, child trafficking, weak rural healthcare, school dropouts and increasing human–animal conflict.
AICC General Secretary and APCC in-charge Jitendra Singh will oversee overall coordination to ensure the campaign is effectively implemented.
