In a major setback to the Congress ahead of the crucial 2026 Assam Assembly elections, senior party leader and former state unit president Bhupen Borah resigned from the party on Monday, triggering fresh uncertainty within the opposition camp in poll-bound Assam.
Borah, a two-time MLA and a prominent face of the Indian National Congress in the state, submitted his resignation to the party’s central leadership, citing dissatisfaction with the functioning of the organisation and a lack of respect for experienced leaders. In his resignation letter, he reportedly said that he had taken the decision after “deep introspection” and for reasons of “self-respect.”
His exit comes at a critical juncture, with the party attempting to regroup and strengthen its organisational structure to challenge the ruling BJP in the 2026 elections. Borah had earlier served as president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) and was seen as a key leader in efforts to revive the party’s fortunes in Assam.
The resignation has intensified speculation about further exits from the Congress in the state. Reacting to the development, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma claimed that more senior Congress leaders could follow suit, describing the party’s future in Assam as “grim.” He also indicated that the BJP would be open to welcoming Borah should he decide to switch sides.
Within the Congress, Borah’s departure is being viewed as a significant blow, especially as the party is in the process of shaping its electoral strategy and alliance dynamics ahead of the polls. While the party leadership has not yet issued a detailed response, sources said efforts may be underway to prevent further erosion and address internal discontent.
Political observers note that Borah’s resignation underscores deep-rooted factionalism and organisational challenges within the Assam Congress. As the election battle draws closer, the development is expected to reshape political equations in the state and add momentum to the BJP’s campaign narrative, while posing a serious test for the Congress’s ability to present a united front.
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