Guwahati, Assam: Bhupen Kumar Borah, former president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), tendered his resignation from the Indian National Congress on Monday, sending shockwaves through the state’s political landscape just months ahead of the 2026 Assam Assembly elections.

Borah’s departure has triggered an intense political reaction, prompting immediate efforts by both the Congress leadership and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to shape the fallout.

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Assam Congress crisis: Former state president Bhupen Kumar Borah resigns

Senior leader exits Congress at critical juncture

Bhupen Borah, a two-time legislator from Bihpuria and state Congress chief from 2021 until his replacement last year, submitted his resignation to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and informed the national leadership, including Rahul Gandhi.

The move has been widely interpreted as a major setback for the Congress in Assam, especially at a time when the party is ramping up campaign preparations for elections slated in April-May 2026.

Although some initial reports suggested that Borah might reconsider and stay on after talks with the party high command, subsequent developments indicate that he has not withdrawn his resignation and is likely to contest the upcoming polls — but not on a Congress ticket.

BJP extends invitation; Sarma comments escalate heat

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma quickly seized on Borah’s decision to criticise the Congress and publicly invited him to join the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Sarma described Borah as one of the last recognised Hindu leaders in the state’s Congress without a political family background and said his joining the BJP would be “like a homecoming”.

Sarma also indicated that Borah could be given a “safe seat” to contest future elections under the BJP banner, underlining the saffron party’s strategy of consolidating support by attracting leaders from its rivals.

BJP figures, including MLA Biswajit Phukan, have seized on Borah’s exit to predict a wider exodus from the Congress, alleging that internal dissatisfaction and organisational shifts have alienated senior leaders.

Congress hurriedly tries to stem damage

For its part, the Congress moved quickly to contain the political damage. Senior leaders, including state unit president Gaurav Gogoi, were seen engaging with Borah in an apparent bid to persuade him to stay.

Party sources have indicated the leadership is attempting to address Borah’s grievances, even as opposition figures argue that his resignation reflects deeper internal tensions within the Assam unit.

Impact on Assam’s election dynamics

Political analysts say the exit of a high-profile figure like Borah, known for his organisational experience and grassroots connect, could weaken the Congress’s position, particularly in Upper Assam where Borah wields influence.

With multiple parties actively courting him and Borah yet to make a formal announcement on his next political destination, the uncertainty adds a new layer of electoral volatility weeks before voting begins.