Overview
- Priyanka Gandhi began a two-day Guwahati visit on February 19 with prayers at Kamakhya before chairing marathon screening meetings at Rajiv Bhawan with block, district and frontal leaders.
- Congress leaders said the first phase of candidates could be named by the end of February following consultations, drawing on feedback gathered by the screening committee’s district tours.
- The 20-point “people’s chargesheet” accuses the BJP-led state government of institutionalising a “syndicate raj,” enabling illegal mining and trade, and presiding over rising debt and fiscal mismanagement.
- The document flags unfulfilled promises and rights concerns, including ST status for six communities, the Rs 351 tea garden wage pledge, selective evictions under “bulldozer justice,” and stalled NRC and Assam Accord safeguards.
- Asked about ex-APCC chief Bhupen Borah’s exit, Priyanka Gandhi said defections are common before polls, as BJP leaders said he would join on February 22 and Congress figures contested his resignation status; alliance decisions remain under review.