The Congress has categorically ruled out any alliance with the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, making it clear that the party will contest independently.

Addressing reporters in Guwahati on Tuesday, Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi said there is no understanding or agreement with the AIUDF, either at present or in the future. He added that the Congress is focused on strengthening its organisation at the grassroots level and reaching out directly to voters.

Congress targets BJP government over corruption allegations

Gogoi also launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing him of corruption during the execution of major infrastructure projects in the state. He alleged that projects such as elevated corridors and flyovers were being showcased as symbols of development while corruption remained deeply entrenched in their implementation.

According to Gogoi, the Congress will continue to raise questions over what it termed as misgovernance by the BJP-led government. He said people in Assam are increasingly aware of these issues and are seeking transparency, accountability, and development that benefits ordinary citizens.

Bhupesh Baghel joins attack on Assam Chief Minister

Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel also targeted the Assam government during a press conference in Dispur. He alleged that corruption had reached alarming levels under the present administration and claimed the state was being pushed towards “ruins”.

Baghel recalled the 2021 Assam Assembly elections, when he served as an observer, and referred to discussions about a political “syndicate” operating in the state. He claimed that corruption had expanded so much over the years that earlier allegations now appeared insignificant in comparison.

Allegations over assets and land acquisitions

Raising questions over asset declarations, Baghel alleged that Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wealth had increased sharply over the years. He cited figures from declared assets, stating that Sarma’s wealth rose from around Rs 1 crore in 2006 to Rs 17 crore in 2021.

He further alleged that land acquisitions, subsidies, and policy changes were carried out to benefit select individuals and business interests, including families of ministers. Baghel also referred to land-related issues in tea garden areas and changes in rules concerning elephant corridors, claiming these were altered to serve private interests.

According to him, large tracts of land were acquired over the past five years across districts such as Majuli, Kamrup, Guwahati, Nagaon, Golaghat, and Karbi Anglong, adding that the total value of such properties could not be easily assessed.

Taking charge as the Bharatiya Janata Party’s national president on Tuesday, Nitin Nabin moved swiftly to shape his leadership footprint by announcing a series of key organisational appointments linked to upcoming Assembly and municipal elections. The decisions are being viewed within party circles as an early indication of Nabin’s priorities and the team he may rely on going forward.

One of Nabin’s first decisions was appointing BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde as the election in-charge for the Kerala Assembly elections. Tawde has also been named an observer for the Chandigarh mayoral elections. Among the most senior leaders in the party’s organisational setup, Tawde currently oversees Bihar, where the NDA registered a sweeping victory in the recent Assembly elections.

His expanded role is being seen as a sign of growing trust and a possible elevation in stature within the party’s central leadership. Alongside him, Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje has been appointed as the co-in-charge for the Kerala polls.

Ram Madhav returns to organisational spotlight

Another notable appointment is that of Ram Madhav as the in-charge for the Bengaluru municipal corporation elections. Madhav previously served as a national general secretary during Amit Shah’s tenure as BJP president and played a key role in Jammu and Kashmir politics, including during the formation of the BJP–PDP alliance in 2015.

After being sent back to the RSS in 2020, Madhav’s return to active organisational responsibilities became clearer when he was appointed election in-charge for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections in 2024. His latest assignment is being interpreted as a signal of a larger role ahead and renewed backing from the RSS.

Former Rajasthan BJP president Satish Poonia has been named co-in-charge for the Bengaluru civic polls, along with Maharashtra MLA Sanjay Upadhyay. Poonia, who has been seeking a political comeback after his Assembly election defeat, has recently handled responsibilities in Haryana and Bihar.

Focus on younger leadership in Telangana

In another significant move, Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar has been appointed in-charge for the Telangana municipal corporation elections. Considered one of the younger faces in the Maharashtra BJP, Shelar is known to be close to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and has previously led the Maharashtra Yuva Morcha.

Former Rajasthan BJP president Ashok Parnami and Rajya Sabha MP Rekha Sharma will assist Shelar as co-in-charges. Shelar’s appointment is also being seen as a reflection of his close working relationship with Nitin Nabin and an emphasis on grooming leaders with organisational experience.

Together, these early appointments suggest that Nabin’s tenure may focus on blending senior organisational hands with relatively younger leaders, as the BJP prepares for a series of crucial electoral battles.

Senior Aam Aadmi Party leader and Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, Atishi, has firmly denied allegations that she made objectionable or disrespectful remarks about Sikh Gurus, stating that she has never done so inside the House or at any point in her life.

In a detailed reply submitted on Monday to the Privileges Committee of the Delhi Assembly, Atishi rejected the charge of breach of privilege and contempt, describing the notice issued to her as vague and baseless. She said she was being asked to respond to allegations that were neither clearly defined nor supported by specific details.

Addressing the Delhi Assembly Secretary, Atishi clarified that she never used the word “Guru” during the Assembly proceedings cited in the notice. Referring to the January 15, 2026 communication, which mentions an alleged statement made on January 6, she asserted that there was no reference, mention, or allusion to Sikh Gurus during her speech or conduct on that day.

“I state with complete sincerity that I have never made any derogatory comment against Sikh Gurus in the Assembly or anywhere in my life,” she said, categorically rejecting the accusations.

Context of the January 6 proceedings

Explaining the events of January 6, Atishi said the House witnessed a heated political exchange during the discussion on the Lieutenant Governor’s address, when Minister Ravindra Indraj Singh was moving the motion of thanks. Opposition MLAs, she said, were raising slogans and demanding a discussion on pollution before the LG’s address. She maintained that the debate, though noisy, had no reference whatsoever to Sikh Gurus.

Atishi also highlighted her personal reverence for Sikh traditions, saying that respect for Sikh Gurus is deeply ingrained in her family’s values. She referred to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji as a symbol of sacrifice and human dignity, adding that she could never morally or ethically make disrespectful remarks about Sikh Gurus.

Seeks documents to respond fully

The AAP leader further stated that she never received any communication from the Speaker asking her to appear and clarify her position, contrary to what was mentioned in the notice. She pointed out that the allegations rely on broad phrases such as “disruption of proceedings” and “disturbance in the House” without specifying her exact words or actions.

Calling this a violation of the principles of natural justice, Atishi said the lack of particulars placed her in an impossible position. To submit a comprehensive and factual response, she has requested a copy of the complaint against her, the complete unedited and certified video recording of the January 6 Assembly proceedings, and any written communication from the Speaker seeking her explanation.

She said she would provide further clarification to the Privileges Committee after receiving these documents.