Bhupen Borah joins BJP days after quitting Congress ahead of Assam elections
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 22, 2026
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Former Assam Congress president Bhupen Borah has switched his political allegiance by joining the BJP just days after resigning from the Congress ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Assam. Borah, who had served as the president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), made the decision despite efforts by the Congress high command to persuade him to stay. His resignation was initially rejected by party leaders, with senior figures including Rahul Gandhi reaching out to him to convince him to reconsider. However, after a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Borah announced his formal shift to the BJP on February 22.
Borah’s decision came shortly after another former Congress worker, Sanju Bora, also joined the saffron party. The move has been seen as a significant blow to the Congress, which is aiming to retain power in Assam despite facing a strong challenge from the BJP. Borah had spent 32 years with the Congress before making the switch, and his departure highlights the ongoing political realignment in the state.
Reacting to Borah’s exit, Assam PCC president Gaurav Gogoi downplayed its impact, stating that the Congress is a resilient party with deep roots in the region. He emphasized that the loss of one individual would not derail the party’s efforts in the elections. However, the BJP, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, views Borah’s defection as an opportunity to strengthen its position ahead of the
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/22/2026