Senior Congress Leader Bhupen Kumar Borah Steps Down from Party Ahead of Assam Elections
In a significant political development, former Assam Congress president Bhupen Kumar Borah has officially resigned from the party, just months before the crucial state assembly elections. The veteran politician submitted his resignation letter to the Congress High Command, citing feelings of being sidelined and ignored by the party's top leadership.
Decades of Service Culminate in Resignation
Borah, who dedicated 32 years to the Congress party after joining in 1994, expressed his disappointment in a detailed letter and subsequent press conference. "This is not a personal decision," he emphasized to reporters. "I have given my entire political career to this party, and my resignation stems from deep concern about its future direction in Assam."
The former state unit president explained that he had been systematically marginalized within the party structure, not receiving the recognition or responsibilities he believed were his due. His resignation marks the end of an era for a politician who served as Assam Congress president from 2021 to 2025 before being replaced by Gaurav Gogoi last year.
Political Future and Election Landscape
When questioned about potential moves to another political party before the upcoming elections, Borah revealed that no formal proposals have been extended to him thus far. However, he made clear that his resignation does not signal retirement from politics. "I have not taken this decision to bid farewell to politics," he stated, leaving the door open for future political engagements.
The timing of this resignation is particularly significant as Assam prepares for assembly elections across 126 constituencies, expected to occur in March-April this year. The Congress party had been planning to contest these elections through an alliance with several opposition parties, a strategy that now faces uncertainty with Borah's departure.
Current Assembly Composition and Political Implications
The political landscape in Assam presents a challenging scenario for opposition parties:
- The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) currently holds 64 seats in the 126-member Assam Assembly
- BJP allies include the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) with 9 MLAs, United People's Party Liberal (UPPL) with 7 members, and Bodoland People's Front (BPF) with 3 legislators
- The opposition Congress party has 26 members, followed by the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) with 15 seats
- The Communist Party of India (Marxist) holds one seat, with one Independent legislator completing the assembly composition
Borah's resignation represents more than just the departure of a senior leader—it signals potential internal discord within the Assam Congress unit at a critical juncture. As a two-time legislator with deep roots in state politics, his absence could impact the party's electoral strategy and organizational strength.
The coming weeks will reveal how both the Congress party and Borah navigate this separation, with the assembly elections looming large on the political horizon. The veteran politician's next moves, whether remaining independent or eventually aligning with another political formation, will be closely watched by political observers across the state and nation.
