Guwahati: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday released the party’s manifesto for the 2026 Assam assembly election in Karbi Anglong, while AICC leader Pawan Khera released it almost simultaneously in Tezpur. The manifesto promises Scheduled Tribe status for tea tribes and five other communities.BJP, in its manifesto released earlier, said it will actively pursue the central govt to implement the recommendation of the Group of Ministers in respect of ST status to the six communities of Koch Rajbongshi, Tai Ahom, Adivasis and Tea Tribes, Chutia, Moran and Matak.Titled “Raijor Istahar”, the document adds to the five guarantees earlier announced by Congress. The manifesto says the BTC, KAAC and Dima Hasao councils will be strengthened with greater financial and administrative powers, and displaced tribal communities will be rehabilitated.“Within the first 100 days, along with ensuring justice for Zubeen Garg, the party has committed to completing five key tasks to build public trust. This will be followed by institution-building within one year and structural transformation within five years,” the party said in a release.Congress said the Assam Accord would be fully implemented to ensure constitutional safeguards. “Tribal lands will be protected under the Sixth Schedule and Forest Rights Act, and encroachment will be prevented.”The manifesto also says that Assam will be developed as a major education hub, with AI-enabled govt schools. “The “Tuition Baideu” programme will reduce private tuition costs. Under the “Porhiba Card”, education loans up to Rs 5 lakh at 4% interest will be provided, repayable after employment.”The five tasks promised to be completed in the manifesto within the first 100 days are: publication of a White Paper on the state’s financial condition and creation of an anti-corruption commission; a transparent land records, revenue and taxation system; priority for local people in jobs and govt contracts; immediate flood relief and the start of erosion control measures; and fast-track recruitment to fill vacancies in hospitals and schools.Within one year, the party promises institution-building measures, including guaranteed annual grants and accountability dashboards for Panchayati Raj institutions, district-level single-window citizen service centres, police reforms and fast-track courts for corruption, land and women-related cases, MSME clusters and entrepreneurship missions, and upgraded district hospitals along with expanded digital classrooms.Its five-year transformation goals include fully decentralised and performance-linked governance with public reporting, an integrated and fully digital governance system for all services, universal healthcare and 100% school enrolment, major reduction in flood and erosion impact, and doubling income with sustained employment growth.The manifesto also announces the “Karmayogi Udyogi” initiative for men. Under it, a Rs 1,000 crore Assam Youth Entrepreneur Venture Fund will support first-time startups. Through the “Udyami Card”, first-generation entrepreneurs will get collateral-free loans up to Rs 10 lakh at 4% interest.For widows, the manifesto promises priority in housing, ration and healthcare schemes.The party also said, “An Advocates’ Welfare Fund will be created for lawyers and legal workers. Travel and logistical expenses for lawyers affected by High Court relocation will be covered. More than 500 judicial clerks will be appointed in district and sessions courts to speed up judicial processes.”Congress further promised a Smart Parking Policy in Guwahati and other cities to ease congestion. It promised that a “Zubeen Garg Fellowship” will be introduced for youth in cultural fields.
