Nagaon MP Pradyut Bordoloi Resigns From Congress Before Assam Elections 2026, BJP Entry Speculation Grows

In a major setback for the Congress ahead of the Assam Assembly elections scheduled for April 9, Nagaon MP Pradyut Bordoloi resigned from the party on Tuesday night. His exit comes barely a month after former Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) chief Bhupen Kumar Borah stepped down, deepening the crisis within the party.

Bordoloi submitted his resignation to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, ending his decades-long association. His decision follows serious differences with the state leadership, especially APCC president Gaurav Gogoi.

Rift Deepens Within State Leadership

The resignation comes amid growing internal unrest, with several leaders close to Bordoloi already quitting the party. Among them was Nabajyoti Talukdar, former Kamrup Metro District Congress Committee president, indicating widening cracks in the organisation.

The timing is politically crucial, as elections are around the corner. Bordoloi’s son, Prateek Bordoloi, is currently contesting from the Margherita constituency, adding another layer of political significance to the development.

Lahorighat Ticket Row Sparks Exit

The immediate trigger behind Bordoloi’s resignation was a dispute over the party’s candidate for the Lahorighat Assembly seat. Earlier, Bordoloi had written to AICC general secretary Jitendra Singh, alleging he was “humiliated” during internal discussions.

In his letter, he expressed “pain and anguish” and strongly opposed the possible renomination of sitting MLA Asif Mohammad Nazar. Bordoloi claimed that during a Central Election Committee meeting on March 13, his concerns were dismissed as “false” and “fabricated.”

He further alleged that screening committee member Imran Masood rejected his claims outright, while Gaurav Gogoi remained silent, which he found deeply disappointing.

Attack Allegation Adds Fuel to Dispute

Bordoloi linked the controversy to an alleged attack on him during a political event in 2025 in Nagaon district. He said a police probe led to the arrest and chargesheet of an individual he described as a close associate of the Lahorighat MLA.

He also pointed out that the same individual was later felicitated at a party event in Morigaon, which intensified his concerns and led to further distrust within the party.

Long Political Journey Comes to End

A veteran Congress leader, Bordoloi has been associated with the party for decades. He began his political journey in the 1990s and served as a spokesperson during the tenure of former Assam Chief Minister Hiteswar Saikia.

He later rose to become general secretary and entered the Assembly by winning the Margherita by-election in 1998. He went on to represent Margherita multiple times and served as a minister under former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, handling key portfolios like industries and power.

After a setback in 2014, he made a strong comeback by winning the Nagaon Lok Sabha seat in 2019 and retained it again in 2024.

BJP Entry Speculation Gains Momentum

Political observers believe Bordoloi’s exit could significantly impact the Congress base in Nagaon, Upper Assam, and tea garden regions where he holds influence. Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had earlier hinted at his possible exit and even stated that the BJP would welcome him.

With speculation now growing about a possible switch to the BJP and even a potential contest from constituencies like Margherita or Dispur, all eyes are on Bordoloi’s next move as Assam’s political battle intensifies.