Assam Ex-Congress Chief Bhupen Borah Joins BJP After 32 Years

Former Assam Congress president Bhupen Kumar Borah has officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, ending his 32-year association with the Congress. The move comes just months before the crucial Assam assembly elections, where the BJP aims to retain power. Borah cited feelings of humiliation and a lack of support from senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, as key reasons for his exit. His defection is a significant setback for the Congress party's prospects in the state.

Key Points: Bhupen Borah Joins BJP Ahead of Assam Elections

  • Ex-Congress chief joins BJP
  • Cites internal humiliation as reason
  • Ended Congress-AIUDF alliance
  • Forged 16-party coalition before INDIA bloc
  • Move ahead of Assam assembly elections
2 min read

After three decades, Bhupen Kumar Borah joins BJP in poll-bound Assam

Former Assam Congress president Bhupen Kumar Borah defects to BJP after three decades, citing humiliation within Congress. Key move before state polls.

"I gave 32 years to the Congress party... I couldn't tolerate such humiliation. - Bhupen Borah"

Guwahati, February 22

Former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah on Sunday joined the BJP in the presence of State BJP President Dilip Saikia, ahead of the assembly elections slate to be held in the next few months.

BJP MP Baijayant Panda was also present on the occasion.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday announced that former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Borah will join the BJP on February 22, following his resignation from the Congress party.

Earlier, Bhupen Borah reflected on his 32-year political career, highlighting his rise from MLA to Assam Congress chief and his role in shaping the party's alliances in the state.

"I started the talks. On the 11th, Gaurav Gogoi said, 'You shouldn't go alone, take Rakibul Hussain along too'... I was talking to all the parties, but on the 13th, Gaurav Gogoi announced that Bhupen Borah had created a misunderstanding. I asked him why he had humiliated me in front of everyone, but he gave no answer... I even told Rahul Gandhi that I couldn't tolerate such humiliation. But no one said anything," he said.

Borah noted that when he became APCC president in 2021, Congress was in alliance with AIUDF, which he ended, and later, before the formation of the INDIA alliance, he successfully forged partnerships with 16 different parties.

"I gave 32 years to the Congress party. Congress made me from an MLA to APCC President... When I became president in 2021, Congress was in alliance with AIUDF. I broke the alliance. After that, before the INDIA alliance was formed, I forged alliances with 16 parties," Borah said.

Assam is set to hold Assembly elections later this year, where the Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma-led BJP is looking to defend its power against Congress.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
His account of internal humiliation in Congress is telling. If senior leaders like Gaurav Gogoi treat their own state president this way, no wonder the party is struggling. Maybe a fresh start was needed for him. Wishing him the best! 🙏
A
Aman W
BJP's strategy of poaching strong regional leaders is masterful. Himanta Biswa Sarma knows Assam politics inside out. With Borah, they not only gain an experienced leader but also demoralize Congress cadre. Smart move before elections.
S
Sarah B
As an observer, the real story is the dysfunction within the Congress party. When a leader who built alliances feels publicly humiliated and gets no support from the top, it reflects a deep leadership crisis. Rahul Gandhi needs to address this culture.
K
Karthik V
He mentions breaking the alliance with AIUDF. That was a popular move with many in Assam. If he felt his work wasn't valued, can't blame him for switching. In the end, voters will decide if this is betrayal or a logical step.
N
Nisha Z
The timing says it all. Just months before the assembly elections. This is less about ideology and more about political survival. But honestly, after three decades, if the party doesn't respect you, what's the point? 🤷‍♀️

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50