The resignation of former Assam Congress president Bhupen Borah has triggered intense political activity in the state, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma publicly reaching out to him and expressing hope that the senior leader would join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The development comes at a politically significant time as Assam prepares for upcoming elections, prompting swift responses from both the ruling party and the opposition.
In a public statement, Sarma described Borah as the “last prominent Hindu leader” to emerge from the grassroots ranks of the Assam Congress and said he would meet him at Borah’s invitation. The Chief Minister framed the potential move as politically symbolic, stating that Borah’s entry into the BJP would strengthen efforts to serve both the nation and the state. The outreach signalled an early attempt by the ruling party to capitalise on internal turmoil within the Congress following Borah’s resignation.
Borah, who served as Assam Congress president from 2021 to 2025 before being replaced by Gaurav Gogoi, submitted his resignation to party president Mallikarjun Kharge, alleging that he had been sidelined despite dedicating more than three decades to the organisation. A two-time MLA from Bihpuria, Borah has long been considered a grassroots leader with deep organisational experience within the party.
Sarma further argued that Borah’s decision reflected broader issues within the Congress, claiming that individuals from ordinary backgrounds struggle to progress within the party’s structure. Drawing comparisons with his own political journey from a middle-class background to becoming chief minister after leaving the Congress, Sarma said the BJP would welcome Borah and even promised support in securing a “safe seat” in future elections should he choose to switch sides. He added, however, that he would respect Borah’s decision regardless of the outcome.
Responding to reports of the Chief Minister’s proposed visit, Borah said that hosting a sitting chief minister at his residence would be a matter of pride. He also referenced Sarma’s own earlier departure from the Congress, raising questions about internal democracy within the party and suggesting that longstanding organisational issues may have contributed to his dissatisfaction.
Meanwhile, senior Congress leaders moved quickly to prevent a possible defection. Gaurav Gogoi, along with MP Pradyut Bordoloi and Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia, met Borah at his Guwahati residence and urged him to reconsider his resignation. Gogoi described Borah as a key pillar of the party and expressed regret if internal matters had caused him distress.
The United Opposition Forum, Assam, also appealed to Borah to remain within the opposition fold. Its spokesperson and Raijor Dal chief Akhil Gogoi accused the ruling party of attempting to create political confusion and stated that opposition parties would strongly oppose any move by Borah to join the BJP.
Borah has indicated that he is currently consulting senior leaders, supporters, and people from his home district of Lakhimpur before making a final decision regarding his political future. His next move is being closely watched, as it could influence political alignments in Assam ahead of the upcoming electoral contests.
