Ex-Assam Congress Chief Bhupen Borah Resigns, Blames Gaurav Gogoi’s 'High-Handedness'

Last Updated:February 16, 2026, 13:45 IST

Bhupen Borah's resignation comes just months ahead of the Assam state assembly elections. He was expected to contest from the newly formed Ranganodi constituency.

In a major setback to the Congress ahead of the Assembly polls in Assam, former state unit chief Bhupen Kumar Borah has resigned, according to sources.

Borah is learnt to have blamed Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi’s “highhandedness" for his decision. The development comes just days before Priyanka Gandhi’s scheduled visit to Assam.

Sources said Borah sent his resignation letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. He also wrote to Rahul Gandhi.

In his letter, Borah said he was being ignored by the party leadership and was not given his due in the state unit. He said he had informed the high command about how the party was functioning in the state and that the situation had affected his self-esteem and dignity.

After his resignation, Borah said, “I sent my resignation to the Congress High Command at 8 am this morning and explained in detail why I was compelled to take this stand. This is not a personal decision. I have given 32 years to the party and joined it in 1994. This principle is not merely personal; it is driven by concern for the party’s future. That is why I conveyed everything in detail to the Congress High Command."

Meanwhile, Gaurav Gogoi has reached Bhupen Borah’s house after the latter tendered his resignation.

Blames Gaurav Gogoi’s leadership for exit

Borah blamed the policies, high-handedness and favouritism of Gaurav Gogoi for his decision.

He was president of the Assam Congress from 2021 to 2025 and was replaced by Gogoi last year. Borah is a two-time legislator in Assam.

He was expected to contest from the newly formed Ranganodi constituency. He was also likely to hold talks with Opposition parties to form an alliance. However, the inclusion of MP Rockybul Hussain in the team reportedly caused discontent.

Bhupen Borah to join BJP?

Bora, who previously served as president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, has been one of the most prominent faces of the Congress in the state. His departure is widely seen as a major setback for the party’s prospects, particularly in Upper Assam, where he holds considerable influence. Political observers describe the timing of his resignation, well ahead of candidate announcements, as a calculated move that underscores growing internal dissatisfaction within the Congress ranks.

Sources indicate that Bora is likely to formally join the Bharatiya Janata Party in the coming days, potentially in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Such a high-profile induction would signal the BJP’s intent to consolidate its position further by absorbing influential leaders from the opposition camp.

Bora is expected to contest the upcoming Assembly elections from the Ranganadi constituency on a BJP ticket. The move is being viewed as a strategic recalibration, as Ranganadi is considered a politically significant seat where Bora’s personal network combined with BJP’s organizational strength could pose a formidable challenge to rivals.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma publicly welcomed Bora’s decision, stating that the BJP’s doors are open to leaders who believe in development and strong governance. Sarma further assured that the party would extend full support to ensure Bora’s victory from Ranganadi if he joins, a clear indication that the BJP leadership has already factored him into its electoral strategy.

With this development, the political landscape in Assam appears poised for a fresh realignment. Bora’s exit not only weakens the Congress structurally but also reinforces the narrative of momentum shifting toward the BJP ahead of the high-stakes Assembly battle.

News india Ex-Assam Congress Chief Bhupen Borah Resigns, Blames Gaurav Gogoi’s 'High-Handedness'

Read More