After serving as a general secretary of Congress for years without a major organisational role, Priyanka Gandhi has been handed a significant responsibility after a long gap. Appointed chairperson of the State Screening Committee for Assam, her induction has buoyed Congress leaders, who view it as both a surprise and a crucial addition to the party's election machinery in the state.
The Congress has recently constituted screening committees for all election-bound states—Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, Assam and West Bengal. These committees will be responsible for identifying the best candidates, ranking them in the order of preference for each constituency, and submitting the lists to the party’s Central Election Committee. While the screening committees will shortlist candidates, the final decision will rest with the central leadership.
Ticket distribution remains the most critical aspect of any election, as selecting the right candidate for each constituency—one who can build trust and attract votes—is key. Equally important is ensuring that the party cadre rallies behind these candidates, rather than being divided by disagreements. During the Bihar elections, several leaders reportedly stayed away from campaigning after feeling sidelined or inadequately consulted, leading to a breakdown of trust.
Some leaders even went a step further, accusing their own leadership of corruption and ticket-selling. However, with Priyanka Gandhi now overseeing candidate selection, Congress leaders believe that factionalism, infighting, and allegations are unlikely. “She has also gained considerable respect through her speeches in Parliament, which will help strengthen her leadership in a state where the rival is being strongly projected,” a party leader said.
“When an organisation is weak, everyone tries to assert themselves, to be heard, seen and accepted more than others, which disturbs the balance of a political party,” a senior Congress leader said. “Giving her the responsibility of the screening committee could be a strategic move.”
Currently, the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) is headed by Gaurav Gogoi, a close aide of Rahul Gandhi, who also serves as the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha. There have been reports suggesting that Gogoi may not yet have fully asserted control over the organisation, having taken charge only seven months ago. In that context, Priyanka’s presence is seen as an attempt to create equilibrium within the party unit and blunt any potential rebellion.
Gaurav Gogoi was appointed APCC president on May 26, 2025, succeeding Bhupen Kumar Borah—a move widely viewed as significant ahead of the Assam Legislative Assembly elections.
"Assam is an important state, we have lost all the elections after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, so the high command had to make sure a strong person is dispatched who will not be influenced by self-interests and will concertedly work to win the elections," says a Congress leader in Assam.
“There is goodwill towards Gogoi, but the Congress in Assam hasn't been able to make the necessary internal party alignment to gain momentum. Therefore, Priyanka is the best bet."