Assam : Ahead of the highly anticipated Assam Assembly elections, Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi formally joined the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday, a day after resigning from the Congress party. Bordoloi made the switch in the presence of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and state BJP chief Dilip Saikia, marking a significant political development in the run-up to the polls.
Bordoloi Cites Sidelining and Internal Issues
Pradyut Bordoloi joined BJP after resigning from Congress, stating that his departure was the result of “multiple issues” within the party rather than just ticket allocation concerns for the upcoming elections. Speaking to ANI, Bordoloi said, “For me, getting a ticket was not a question of life and death. What was important for me was to hold my head high. The Congress party has given me a lot, but I could not accept the internal mistreatment.”
He further added, “I am in my second term in Lok Sabha with three years left. I could have accepted the humiliation to remain as an MP, but I decided to leave and work elsewhere.”
Congress Calls Move ‘Unfortunate’
The decision of Bordoloi to switch allegiances drew immediate reactions from Congress leaders. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress MP and chairperson of the Assam screening committee, described the move as “unfortunate,” hinting that disagreements over ticket distribution could have been a factor.
Also read : New Aviation Rules 2026: 60% Free Seats and Assured Group Seating for Families
Congress MP Imran Masood also indicated that the party would attempt to persuade Bordoloi to reconsider his decision, emphasizing the importance of maintaining party unity ahead of elections. Bordoloi currently represents Assam’s Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency.
Assam Elections 2026 Schedule
The Assam Assembly elections are scheduled to take place in a single phase on April 9, 2026, alongside Kerala and Puducherry. Other states voting in the coming weeks include Tamil Nadu on April 23 and West Bengal in two phases on April 23 and April 29. The counting of votes across all states and Union Territories will be conducted on May 4, 2026.
Political Implications
The entry of Pradyut Bordoloi into the BJP ahead of the elections is expected to impact Congress’s voter base in Assam, particularly in Bordoloi’s strongholds. Political analysts note that his move reflects growing discontent among senior Congress leaders and highlights potential challenges for the party in retaining traditional support ahead of the polls.
The focus on Pradyut Bordoloi joins BJP underscores a strategic gain for the BJP in Assam, signaling possible shifts in electoral dynamics and party alignments in the state.