GUWAHATI : The Assam unit of the Indian National Congress faced a massive political tremor on Monday. Senior leader and former state chief Bhupen Borah resigned from the party. Borah submitted his formal resignation to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. He also sent a detailed letter to party leader Rahul Gandhi. This move comes at a critical time, just weeks before the 2026 Assam Assembly elections. The timing is particularly damaging as the party was preparing for Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s high-profile visit to Guwahati.
Internal Rifts and the “Gaurav Gogoi Factor”
Borah’s exit follows months of reported friction within the state leadership. Sources suggest Borah felt “ignored” after being replaced as state president by Gaurav Gogoi last year. Although Borah told reporters he is not leaving for “personal reasons,” internal dynamics tell a different story. Many insiders point toward the “high-handedness” of the current leadership. Specifically, the involvement of Rakibul Hussain in alliance negotiations reportedly created significant mistrust.
Borah had recently been tasked with finalizing seat-sharing arrangements with regional allies like Raijor Dal. However, the lack of transparency in decision-making became a breaking point. Borah expressed deep concern about the future of the party in his letter. He stated that he had served the Congress for 32 years with total dedication. Yet, the current environment made it impossible for him to continue his journey with the “Grand Old Party.”
Impact on the 2026 Assam Assembly Elections
The resignation of Bhupen Borah creates a massive leadership vacuum in the opposition camp. Borah was instrumental in rebuilding the grassroots network after the 2021 electoral loss. Without his organizational skills, the Congress’s plan to contest 100 seats looks increasingly fragile. Moreover, his exit might trigger a “domino effect” of further high-profile resignations.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was quick to react to the development. He described Borah as the “last Hindu leader” in the Assam Congress from a non-dynastic background. Sarma claimed that the party is fast becoming a “communal” entity focused on appeasement. While Borah has not yet joined another party, the BJP has already signaled that its doors are open. Reports suggest Borah might be fielded from the Ranganadi constituency if he switches sides.
Rebuilding the Opposition Strategy
The Congress now faces the Herculean task of keeping its remaining flock together. Priyanka Gandhi’s upcoming visit on February 18 will now shift from strategy to “damage control.” She must address the growing discontent among senior leaders who feel sidelined. Additionally, regional partners like Akhil Gogoi of Raijor Dal have already reached out to Borah.
The next few days will determine if the Congress can survive this internal rupture. If more MLAs follow Borah, the BJP’s path to a third consecutive term might become an easy walkover. For now, the political landscape of Assam remains in a state of high-octane flux.
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