Assam Congress in Turmoil as Senior Leader Alleges Sidelining and Humiliation
Guwahati: A significant internal rift has erupted within the Assam Congress, escalating tensions following the resignations of former state PCC president Bhupen Kumar Borah and several ticket aspirants. The crisis deepened as Nagaon MP Pradyut Bordoloi penned a letter to the party high command, alleging he was sidelined and humiliated by fellow leaders.
Bordoloi Accuses MLA of Backing Alleged Attacker
Pradyut Bordoloi, a three-time cabinet minister in the previous Congress-led government, leveled serious accusations against party MLA from Lahorighat, Asif Nazar. He claimed Nazar supported Imdadul Islam, a man allegedly involved in an attack on Bordoloi's convoy during last year's panchayat election campaign in Dhing. Bordoloi recounted being attacked by a group of 25 miscreants while campaigning, initially suspecting BJP involvement. However, on Monday, he asserted that Islam acted under Nazar's direction.
"After securing bail, Islam was welcomed by Nazar. A few days later, Nazar brought Islam to Gaurav Gogoi's home where Islam was honored. I told Gaurav that it was an insult to me," Bordoloi alleged, expressing his dismay at the incident.
Allegations Against Assam PCC President Gaurav Gogoi
Bordoloi also directed his anger at Assam PCC president Gaurav Gogoi, accusing him of failing to provide support and instead aligning with Nazar and the alleged attacker. He revealed that he had objected to Nazar's candidature from Lahorighat, which falls under the Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency. The MP further criticized the role of Saharanpur MP Imran Masood, a member of the screening committee for the Assam election, alleging that Gaurav had facilitated a closer relationship between Masood and Nazar.
"In the Central Election Committee meeting, when the Lahorighat issue was raised, Masood said my complaints were fake, false, and fabricated. Gaurav did not defend me despite being present," Bordoloi stated, highlighting his sense of betrayal.
Political Fallout and Reactions
The infighting drew a swift political response from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who predicted a bleak future for Hindu leaders in Congress. "Slowly all of them will leave Congress. No Hindu leader would remain in the party by 2030," Sarma claimed, capitalizing on the internal discord.
In response to reports of Bordoloi's letter, Gaurav Gogoi defended the party's culture of openness. "Members of the Congress organization are free to speak openly. This contrasts with BJP, where even Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal does not enjoy such visible space," he remarked, attempting to downplay the rift.
The crisis underscores deepening fractures within Assam Congress, with resignations and public allegations threatening to undermine party unity ahead of future elections.
