Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on February 17 ruled out any possibility of the Congress returning to power in Assam, calling the party “exhausted” and asserting it has no support at the grassroots level. The former Assam chief minister made the remarks while responding to questions about the state’s political outlook ahead of the next assembly elections.
Sonowal said Assam and the wider Northeast are now among the most peaceful regions in the country and have seen rapid development over the past decade. “Under the NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the past 11 years have brought peace and progress to the Northeast and Assam,” he said.
Asked about the challenge posed by the Congress after Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s appointment as in-charge, Sonowal argued the party lacks a ground presence. “The Congress is now exhausted. It does not have any support at the grassroots level. It is merely making statements with the help of the media. The party is not committed to society or the country. It has no real dedication or commitment,” he said.
On the issue of illegal immigration, Sonowal described it as a major concern and said the government has been taking consistent steps to address it. He claimed people from various communities, including STs, SCs and OBCs, feel secure under the BJP-led government in Assam.
“Through the NDA government in Assam, the party has ensured protection of land, property, dignity and heritage,” he asserted, adding that youth and students in the Northeast believe BJP rule will create more opportunities for growth. “People have great trust and confidence in Prime Minister Modi. They believe that whatever he promises, he delivers,” Sonowal said.
Commenting on the recent Union Budget, the minister said its key focus areas are youth, farmers, the poor and women, whom he described as the pillars of society. “If we empower all sections, strengthen them and improve their economic condition, it will help advance the country’s development journey,” he added.
Sonowal also claimed that during Congress rule India did not receive due respect on global platforms and suggested the party is “frustrated” for not achieving similar trade and economic outcomes in its tenure. His remarks underscore the BJP’s messaging on governance, security and development as it prepares for the forthcoming Assam elections.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/congress-an-exhausted-party-in-assam-has-no-support-at-grassroots-level-sarbananda-sonowal-1347766-2026-02-17?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-02-17 22:41:00
