Bhupen Borah will not join BJP, efforts on to retain him in Congress: Akhil Gogoi

Following Bhupen Borah’s resignation from the Indian National Congress, Raijor Dal chief and Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi on Monday, February 16 asserted that Borah will not join the BJP and that efforts are underway to persuade him to remain in the Congress fold.

Gogoi acknowledged that Borah has indeed stepped down from the party, but dismissed rumours suggesting that the senior Opposition leader is set to join the Bharatiya Janata Party. “It is true that Bhupen Borah resigned from Congress. But it is also true that he will not join the BJP as speculated,” Gogoi said.

Describing Borah as a prominent face of the Opposition in Assam, Gogoi revealed that several senior Congress leaders have reached out to him in an attempt to convince him to reconsider his decision. “Talks are underway to make him understand. The doors of the party remain open for him,” he added.

The developments come at a politically sensitive time, with the Opposition camp seeking to maintain unity ahead of the upcoming electoral battle. Borah’s resignation has triggered widespread discussion in political circles, with questions being raised over its potential impact on the Opposition’s strategy in the state.

Former Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bhupen Kumar Borah has resigned from the party, sending his resignation letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and forwarding a copy to senior leader Rahul Gandhi, as per sources.

Borah also removed 'Congress' from his X bio, indicating, no more association with the party.

Bhupen Borah allegedly criticised Rakibul Hussain, accusing him of meddling in organisational affairs and creating an uneasy atmosphere within the Assam Congress. 

Borah, who served as President of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee from 2021 to 2024, has been a prominent face of the party in the state. He represented the Bihpuria Assembly constituency for two consecutive terms from 2006 to 2016.