The political atmosphere in Lower Assam is intensifying as the 2026 Assembly elections draw closer. On Saturday, January 3, 2026, Dhubri MP Rakibul Hussain spearheaded the third phase of the Raijor Podulit Raijor Congress programme in Dhubri district. This grassroots initiative aims to bridge the gap between the leadership and the common citizen. By fanning out across the district, Hussain and his team are collecting vital feedback to shape the party’s upcoming election manifesto.
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The “People’s Congress at People’s Doorstep” campaign serves as a listening exercise for the opposition. Hussain met with various party units, civil society groups, and local journalists throughout the day. The goal is to document specific local grievances that often go unnoticed in the halls of power in Dispur. From rising prices to rural unemployment, every written submission will feed into a broader vision for what the Congress calls a “New Assam.”
Spotlighting the Sonahat Land Port Syndicate
During his interaction with the media and local leaders, Rakibul Hussain raised serious allegations regarding the Sonahat International Trade Centre. He flagged the existence of a powerful syndicate operating at the land port in Lakhimari. Hussain claimed that this network has revived under the current administration. He alleged that illegal collections and political patronage are hurting honest traders and the local economy.
The MP pointed out that the Sonahat port is a lifeline for the region’s commerce with Bangladesh. However, he argued that the benefits are not reaching the poor farmers or small-scale exporters. Instead, he alleged that a small group of influential individuals is siphoning off the revenue. These claims have added a sharp edge to the Raijor Podulit Raijor Congress programme, transforming a feedback session into a platform for accountability.
Collecting Grassroots Aspirations for 2026
The Congress party has deployed “Aspiration Boxes” across public venues in Dhubri to ensure maximum participation. These boxes allow citizens to drop in written suggestions or complaints anonymously. Rakibul Hussain emphasized that the party wants a manifesto written by the people, not just by experts in a closed room. He noted that the 2026 roadmap must address the specific challenges of border districts like Dhubri.
Key areas of concern highlighted by the public during the outreach included:
- Erosion Control: The persistent threat of the Brahmaputra river to local villages.
- Connectivity: The need for better roads and reliable transport for cross-border trade.
- Education: Improving the infrastructure of schools in the “Char” (riverine) areas.
- Syndicate-Free Trade: Ensuring that ports like Sonahat operate with transparency.
The Raijor Podulit Raijor Congress programme is not just about speeches; it is a data-gathering mission. The party plans to consolidate all feedback in Guwahati by January 10. This will allow the Manifesto Committee, led by MP Pradyut Bordoloi, to align the party’s promises with the actual needs of the voters.
Challenges for the Congress in Lower Assam
While Rakibul Hussain remains a dominant force in Dhubri, having won his Lok Sabha seat by a record margin, the 2026 elections present new hurdles. The Congress must navigate a complex landscape of ethnic identities and competing political interests. By focusing on “syndicate raj” and governance failures, Hussain is attempting to consolidate the anti-incumbency sentiment in the region.
The MP’s focus on the Sonahat syndicate serves a dual purpose. It addresses a local economic grievance while also challenging the state government’s claims of transparent governance. As the Raijor Podulit Raijor Congress programme moves into its final days, the party hopes to build a narrative of being the true “servants of the people” (Raijor Sevak).
The next few months will show if this feedback-driven approach can translate into votes. For now, the focus in Dhubri remains on the written notes and aspiration slips that continue to pour into the Congress offices. Rakibul Hussain has made it clear that the fight for 2026 begins at the doorsteps of the common man, and he intends to carry every voice to the legislative assembly.
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