Hours after quitting, Bhupen Borah pauses exit amid Congress intervention

The Assam Congress was gripped by a political stir on Monday after former state unit chief Bhupen Borah tendered his resignation, citing neglect by the party leadership. However, hours later, Borah sought time to reconsider his decision following intervention by senior leaders, signalling a possible climbdown ahead of the crucial Assembly elections scheduled for April 2026.

Borah, who has been associated with the Congress for 32 years, said he had submitted his resignation in the morning and would wait for the high command’s response before making further comments. He maintained that he would remain active in politics but clarified that he had not yet decided on his future course. His resignation reportedly stemmed from “certain circumstances” that had emerged in recent days.

Senior leader Gaurav Gogoi visited Borah’s residence soon after the development, and party leaders indicated that the resignation had not been accepted. It was also stated that Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi spoke to Borah following his decision. Congress leaders emphasised that “Congress is in his DNA” in an apparent effort to prevent a high-profile exit ahead of the polls.

The political tremor drew a swift response from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who claimed Borah had been sidelined after being replaced as state Congress president last year. Sarma said he would meet Borah to discuss future prospects, even as he suggested that internal dynamics within the Congress had contributed to the resignation.

With the Assembly elections approaching, Borah’s temporary withdrawal has offered the Congress some respite, though uncertainty remains over his final decision. The episode underscores the fragile internal equations within the party at a time when electoral strategies are being finalised.