Assam Congress Faces Internal Crisis as Senior Leader Bhupen Borah Resigns
In a significant development ahead of the upcoming state elections, Bhupen Borah, the chairperson of the Congress campaign committee in Assam and former president of the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC), submitted his resignation on Monday. The move has sent shockwaves through the party, with top leaders scrambling to address the situation just days before national general secretary and MP Priyanka Gandhi's scheduled visit to the state.
Resignation Over Feeling "Ignored"
Borah cited being "ignored" as the primary reason for his decision to step down, despite his official role in forging opposition alliances. This resignation has exposed deep internal rifts within the Assam Congress, prompting immediate firefighting efforts from the party brass to persuade him to reconsider.
Congress sources revealed that Borah sent his resignation letter directly to AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge. The timing is particularly critical as seat-sharing talks between Congress and its allies have already faced delays, and Borah's departure threatens to further destabilize the party's electoral preparations.
BJP's Open Invitation Adds to Congress Discomfiture
Adding to the Congress's woes, Assam Chief Minister and BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma declared that the BJP would keep its doors open for Borah. Sarma announced plans to meet Borah on Tuesday, highlighting their long-standing relationship from their years together in the Congress party.
"We will give him (Borah) a chance to win the state polls by offering him a safe seat from where it will be easier to win," Sarma stated, outlining potential benefits for Borah should he switch allegiance. Borah, a two-time MLA from Bihpuria, led the Assam Congress from 2021 to 2025 before being replaced by current state chief Gaurav Gogoi.
Congress Leadership in Damage Control Mode
In response to the crisis, senior Congress leaders have launched a concerted effort to retain Borah. Rahul Gandhi personally called Borah to urge him to reconsider his resignation. State Congress president Gaurav Gogoi described Borah as "a pillar of strength and a true Congressman" and issued an apology for "any wrong that was done to him."
Following a three-hour meeting with a party delegation, Borah addressed reporters, stating, "My old colleagues are at my home. My central leadership reached out and gave me some advice. I sought time...Either today or tomorrow morning, I will meet Jitendra Singh (AICC's Assam minder) and convey my final decision."
Uncertainty Over Resignation Withdrawal
Jitendra Singh, the AICC's Assam minder, insisted that Borah had already withdrawn his resignation. However, Borah clarified that he needed to consult his family before making a final decision. "I never made public what I wrote in my letter. I have two brothers, a sister and other family members with whom I need to discuss," he explained, adding that his brothers' businesses had suffered due to his political involvement.
This internal turmoil comes at a precarious time for the Congress in Assam, as the party attempts to consolidate its position against the ruling BJP. The resignation of a key figure like Borah, coupled with the BJP's overtures, signals potential challenges in maintaining unity and momentum ahead of the polls.
The situation remains fluid, with all eyes on Borah's upcoming meeting with Jitendra Singh and the impending visit of Priyanka Gandhi, which could play a pivotal role in resolving the crisis or further exposing the party's vulnerabilities.
