The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has mandated a Rs 50,000 application fee for aspirants seeking party tickets for the 2026 Assembly elections, a move criticized by the BJP as 'democracy on sale.' The BJP alleges this institutionalizes pay-to-play politics. The Congress, however, clarifies it's a standard application fee, a tradition within the party, citing similar practices in other states with varying amounts. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is overseeing the ticket screening process.