Pradyut Bordoloi’s BJP switch triggers crisis: Gaurav Gogoi backs son Prateek amid political storm

The political spotlight has shifted to Prateek Bordoloi after senior Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi expressed support and sympathy for the young leader following his father Pradyut Bordoloi joining the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Reacting to the development, Gogoi termed Pradyut Bordoloi’s decision to switch sides as “very unfortunate,” pointing out that the Indian National Congress had stood by him in the Lok Sabha elections and had even given an Assembly ticket this time to a member of his family. “Despite that, he has left due to personal reasons,” Gogoi said.

Amid the political turmoil, Gogoi said he would personally reach out to Prateek Bordoloi, who is set to contest from Margherita. “All my sympathies are with him. I never thought he would have to face such a situation. I will call him and let him decide what he wants to do further,” he said, indicating that the party is keen to support the young candidate during the crisis.

Gogoi also underlined that the upcoming Assembly elections are crucial for Assam’s future, framing the contest as a larger battle against the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. He claimed that people across sections—including women, tea tribes, and youth—do not want Sarma to return as Chief Minister, though he acknowledged that Bordoloi’s decision to support him remains a personal choice.

Also Read: Father joins BJP, son in Congress: Pradyut Bordoloi’s son's poll prospects hang in balance in Margherita

On possible alliances, Gogoi revealed that he had held a telephonic conversation with Akhil Gogoi regarding a tie-up with the Raijor Dal, adding that the next move now rests with them. “The rest is already in the media,” he noted.

Referring to a recent visit to Pradyut Bordoloi’s residence, Gogoi said the election is not about individuals but about “freeing the state” from what he described as fear, corruption, and divisive politics. He further alleged irregularities in land distribution, claiming that while many poor people were denied land pattas and faced rising revenue burdens, a single family allegedly controlled thousands of bighas of land through multiple members—an apparent reference to the Chief Minister.

Asserting that the Congress remains strong, particularly in regions like Lakhimpur, Gogoi said the party is gearing up for a tough electoral fight. “This election is important for the youth and the new generation. I have pulled up my socks to defeat Himanta Biswa Sarma,” he said.

With Prateek Bordoloi now at the centre of a political storm triggered by his father’s defection, the coming days will be crucial in determining both his electoral prospects and the Congress party’s strategy in Margherita.