Just days before senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was scheduled to begin a two-day visit to Assam, the party was jolted by the resignation of former state chief Bhupen Kumar Borah. The sudden development has stirred political circles across the state, especially with Assembly elections approaching, and has triggered fresh uncertainty within the Assam unit of the Indian National Congress.
Monday witnessed a series of rapid and confusing developments surrounding Borah’s political future. He initially announced his resignation from the party, prompting immediate reactions from local Congress leaders. Some party members soon claimed that Borah had spoken with senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and decided to withdraw his resignation.
However, Borah later dismissed these reports, stating unequivocally that he had not reversed his decision. He clarified that discussions were still underway and that he had authorised senior leaders Pradyut Bordoloi and Debabrata Saikia to examine his resignation letter. If they could assure him that his concerns would be addressed, he said, he remained open to reconsideration.
“I will wait the entire day,” Borah remarked, adding that he would soon take a final call.
A letter widely circulated on social media, believed to be Borah’s resignation note, contained strong criticism of internal dynamics within the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC). Borah questioned the leadership style within the organisation and expressed dissatisfaction over what he described as his “marginalisation.”
He also referred to allegations raised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding visits to Pakistan by current APCC president Gaurav Gogoi. According to Borah, the party’s image had suffered due to what he called the absence of a clear and decisive response to the accusations.
Highlighting personal grievances, Borah said he felt sidelined within the state unit and argued that the functioning of the organisation had affected his dignity and self-respect. He served as Assam Congress president from 2021 to 2025 before being replaced by Gogoi last year.
While clarifying that he has not joined any political party yet, Borah revealed that he had received proposals from six different parties. He also confirmed his intention to contest the upcoming Assembly elections, possibly from Ranganadi, his birthplace.
Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma publicly invited Borah to join the Bharatiya Janata Party. Sarma said he does not believe Borah has withdrawn his resignation and confirmed that the two leaders had spoken over the phone, with a meeting scheduled between them.
The Chief Minister stated that the BJP’s doors remain open and even hinted at offering Borah support from a “safe seat” should he decide to switch sides.
Borah’s resignation has intensified speculation about internal divisions within the Assam Congress at a crucial political moment. With Assembly elections on the horizon and senior national leaders preparing to campaign in the state, the party now faces the immediate challenge of maintaining organisational unity and projecting stability.
The timing of the crisis — coinciding with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s planned visit — has further amplified its political significance, raising questions about leadership cohesion and electoral preparedness within the Congress in Assam. Whether Borah ultimately reconsiders his decision or charts a new political course could significantly shape the state’s political landscape in the months ahead.
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