Bhupen Borah’s BJP switch: Ghosts of past rifts haunt Congress before Assam elections
Times of India
by ROHITASHWA RANJANFebruary 22, 2026
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Bhupen Borah's decision to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has dealt a significant blow to the Congress party in Assam, just as the state gears up for the 2026 assembly elections. Borah, who was the former chief of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), announced his defection at BJP headquarters, Vajpayee Bhawan, marking a seismic shift in the political landscape. This move has eerie parallels to past events, notably the 2015 exodus of Congress leaders that weakened the party's hold over Assam. The timing and nature of Borah's departure have reignited old wounds within the Congress, with many viewing it as a sign of internal discord and a potential harbinger of political instability.
Borah's grievances stem from his growing disillusionment with the Congress leadership, particularly under Rahul Gandhi. He accused the party of marginalizing him in decision-making processes and failing to recognize his contributions. During discussions about his resignation, he claimed that while Sonia Gandhi had assured him of support, Rahul Gandhi did not address his concerns directly. This perceived lack of respect and recognition led Borah to feel humiliated, ultimately pushing him towards the BJP. The Assam chief minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, welcomed Borah's decision, promising to secure a safe seat for him in the upcoming assembly polls.
The fallout between Borah and Congress also reflects deeper tensions within the party over leadership dynamics. Borah criticized Gaurav Gogoi and Rakibul Hussain for their influence over the APCC, accusing them of steering the party in ways that alienated key sections of the Assamese community. His letter to APCC chief Ajit Jogi detailed his frustrations with feeling excluded from crucial decisions and the lack of respect he received as a senior leader. These issues echo past conflicts, such as Sarma's own departure from Congress in 2016 after feeling sidelined during leadership transitions.
Borah's decision has sent shockwaves through Assam's political arena, not just for its immediate impact on Congress but also for the broader implications it holds for the party's future. His defection underscores the growing discontent within the Congress ranks and raises questions about its ability to maintain unity and
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/22/2026