Assam Congress Leader Bhupen Borah Suspends Resignation Amid Political Turmoil
In a dramatic turn of events on Monday, Assam Congress's former state president and current campaign committee chairman, Bhupen Borah, submitted his resignation, only to put the decision on hold until Tuesday. This move came after senior party leaders rushed to his residence in a bid to persuade him to reconsider.
BJP Extends Open Invitation to Borah
Adding fuel to the fire, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, a former Congress member himself, publicly declared that the Bharatiya Janata Party's doors were wide open for Borah. Sarma announced his intention to meet Borah on Tuesday, signaling a potential political shift. "We will give him a chance to win the assembly election by offering him a safe seat from where it will be easier to win," Sarma stated, predicting Borah's eventual switch to the BJP.
High-Level Interventions from Congress Leadership
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi intervened directly, speaking with Borah over the phone for 15 minutes to urge him to reconsider his resignation. Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi described Borah as "a pillar of strength and a true Congressman" and apologized for any wrongs done within the party. According to Congress sources, Borah sent his resignation letter to All India Congress Committee president Mallikarjun Kharge, expressing feelings of being "ignored" despite being tasked with finalizing opposition alliances in the state.
Seat-Sharing Talks and Opposition Unity Challenges
The delay in seat-sharing talks has emerged as the biggest hurdle to opposition unity in Assam, contributing to Borah's frustration. This political turmoil unfolded just days before Priyanka Gandhi's scheduled visit to the state, heightening the suspense and adding pressure on the Congress party.
Three-Hour Meeting and Borah's Clarification
After a lengthy three-hour meeting with senior leaders, including AICC general secretary and Assam in-charge Jitendra Singh, APCC president Gaurav Gogoi, MP Pradyut Bordoloi, and Congress Legislative Party leader Debabrata Saikia, Borah addressed reporters. "My old colleagues are at my home. My central leadership reached my home, and they gave me some advice. I sought time from him. Either today or tomorrow morning, I will meet Jitendra Singh ji and convey my final decision," Borah explained.
Later, in a joint press conference with Borah, Singh claimed that Borah had withdrawn his resignation.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 the matter," Borah said, noting that his brothers' business interests had suffered due to his political involvement.
Historical Context and Borah's Political Journey
Bhupen Borah, a two-time MLA from Bihpuria, led the Assam Congress between 2021 and 2025 before being replaced by Gaurav Gogoi. Recently tasked with steering alliance talks, internal conflicts within the party stalled progress, leading to the current crisis. Interestingly, Sarma and Borah both joined the Congress in the early 1990s almost simultaneously. "Tomorrow I will go to his home. I will try to know his future political plans," Sarma added, stating he would convey best wishes even if Borah did not join the BJP.
For now, Borah's resignation remains suspended, leaving the Congress in a state of suspense as the BJP signals a red-carpet welcome. The political drama continues to unfold, with all eyes on Borah's next move and its implications for Assam's political landscape.
