Priyanka Gandhi Vadra named chair of Congress’s Assam election screening committee ahead of 2026 polls.

In an attempt to bolster its campaign in five crucial states, the Indian National Congress appointed Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as chair of the Assam screening committee in advance of the 2026 state assembly elections. Along with members Dr. Sirivella Prasad, Imran Masood, and Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, she will oversee the selection of candidates. Similar committees, led by senior party leaders, have been established for West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry. In advance of the next elections, the Congress wants to enhance coordination and centralize candidate selection. After the BJP won the state of Assam in 2026, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi has criticized the government for its short-term welfare programs and lack of long-term economic planning, especially for sattras. On January 8, the party intends to start the "MGNREGA Bachao Sangram" campaign.