Delhi: A dramatic political twist unfolded in Assam after senior Congress leader Bhupen Kumar Borah briefly resigned from the party on Monday, sending shockwaves through the state unit just days before Priyanka Gandhi’s scheduled visit to the poll-bound state.
Resignation Letter Sent to Kharge
Early in the morning, Borah submitted his resignation to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, marking a copy to Rahul Gandhi. The move surprised many party leaders.
A two-time MLA from Bihpuria and associated with the Congress since 1994, Borah earlier served as president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee from July 2021 to May 2025 before being replaced by Gaurav Gogoi. He is currently heading the party’s campaign committee for the 2026 Assembly elections.
Damage Control Mode Activated
Within hours, senior leaders including AICC general secretary and Assam in-charge Jitendra Singh and Gaurav Gogoi rushed to Borah’s residence in Guwahati. Rahul Gandhi is understood to have personally spoken to him.
By afternoon, Jitendra Singh announced that Borah’s resignation had not been accepted and that he had agreed to withdraw it after discussions. However, the political tremors were already visible.
“I Felt Disrespect and Humiliation”
Speaking to journalists at his Ghoramara residence, Borah said he resigned “on principle” and not because of any individual. He said, “I have served the Congress for 32 years. I am concerned about the future of the party.”
In a sharp remark, he added, “If such a situation is allowed to continue in the Congress party it will be like a suicide bomb.”
Though he did not directly accuse anyone, Borah did not deny feeling sidelined in key decisions. Reports suggest issues of “self-respect” and being ignored played a role in his resignation.
Opposition Leaders Reach Out
In another important statement, Borah revealed that leaders from other parties had contacted him, including Akhil Gogoi and Lurinjyoti Gogoi. He confirmed that the Congress high command also reached out but insisted he was not quitting politics.
Political observers say speculation is strong that Borah may not withdraw his resignation and could consider joining the BJP soon, although no official confirmation has come.
Old Wounds Resurface
The tension reportedly dates back to the Behali by-election. The Assam unit under Borah had decided to support a CPI-ML candidate as part of an opposition alliance. However, the central leadership fielded Congress candidate Jayanta Bora after intervention from Gaurav Gogoi. Bora lost the election, worsening internal friction.
Fresh disagreements reportedly emerged during the Majuli leg of the ‘Samay Parivartanar’ Yatra, where Borah hinted at dissatisfaction over representation decisions.
BJP Reacts Quickly
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reacted swiftly, calling Borah the “last Hindu leader” in Congress without a political family background and saying the BJP would welcome him. The remark is seen as an attempt to widen cracks within the Congress ahead of 2026 elections.
Congress Under Pressure
The crisis comes at a difficult time for Congress in Assam. On the same day, Goalpara West MLA Abdur Rashid Mandal and suspended MLA Sherman Ali joined Raijor Dal. In recent years, several MLAs have shifted from Congress to the BJP.
For now, the central leadership has managed to prevent an immediate split. Closed-door meetings are ongoing to calm tensions.
