Former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Borah triggered political turbulence in poll-bound Assam after submitting his resignation to the party high command
Dispur: Former Assam Congress president Bhupen Borah submitted his resignation to party chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday, setting off intense political activity in the poll-bound state. Hours later, senior party leaders said the resignation would not be accepted, while Borah himself sought time to reconsider his decision.
Resignation And Reconsideration
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Borah, who has been associated with the Congress for 32 years, said he sent his resignation letter to the party high command but requested time until Tuesday morning to reflect on his decision after discussions with senior leaders and family members.
“The resignation letter has been sent, but the central leadership has said it will not accept it. I have asked for time to think about it and will inform them,” Borah told reporters.
All India Congress Committee (AICC) state in-charge Jitendra Singh said party president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi spoke to Borah. Singh claimed Borah agreed to withdraw his resignation after discussions. Rahul Gandhi reportedly spoke to him for about 15 minutes.
However, Borah maintained that he is consulting colleagues and well-wishers before taking a final call.
Reasons Cited In Resignation
In his resignation letter, Borah reportedly claimed that he was being “ignored” by the party leadership and not being given his due in the state unit.
Borah served as Assam Congress president from 2021 to 2025 and was replaced by Gaurav Gogoi last year. He is a two-time MLA from Bihpuria.
Senior Congress leaders, including Gogoi, MP Pradyut Bordoloi, Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia and several MLAs, met Borah at his residence following the development.
Gogoi described Borah as a “pillar of strength” for the party and apologised if internal matters had caused him hurt.
BJP Extends Invitation
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma publicly invited Borah to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Sarma said he would visit Borah’s residence and discuss his political future.
The Chief Minister stated that Borah’s resignation carried a “symbolic message” that leaders from ordinary families do not prosper in Congress. He also said that if Borah joins the BJP, he could be given a “safe seat” in the upcoming Assembly elections.
Sarma added that even if Borah chooses not to join the BJP, he extends his best wishes.
Opposition And Political Reactions
The United Opposition Forum, Assam, urged Borah to remain within the opposition camp. Its spokesperson Akhil Gogoi said the alliance would not allow him to leave for the BJP.
Meanwhile, BJP MP Manan Kumar Mishra criticised Congress leadership, alleging that several senior leaders feel “suffocated” within the party.
Assam is scheduled to hold Assembly elections later this year, with the BJP aiming to retain power under Chief Minister Sarma. The episode has intensified political speculation and could have wider implications for party alignments ahead of the polls.
Published: 17 Feb 2026, 10:27 am IST
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