Bhupen Borah’s exit like Congress ‘separating itself from Hindu society': Himanta Biswa Sarma

Himanta Biswa Sarma on February 18 sparked fresh political controversy by claiming that Bhupen Kumar Borah was the “last recognised Hindu leader” of the Congress in Assam, and that his resignation signified the party’s distancing from Hindu society.

Speaking to reporters, the Chief Minister said that apart from Borah, other senior Congress leaders either inherited political legacies or drew support from minority-dominated constituencies. 

Referring to Debabrata Saikia, he noted that he is the son of former Chief Minister Hiteshwar Saikia. He similarly mentioned Gaurav Gogoi as the son of former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, and pointed out that Pradyut Bordoloi represents a minority-dominated seat.

“Bhupen Borah was the last legitimate Hindu face of the Congress. His resignation is, in a way, like the Congress separating itself from Hindu society,” Sarma said.

The remarks come amid heightened political realignments in Assam, with Borah’s reported exit from the Congress fuelling sharp exchanges between the ruling BJP and the opposition party ahead of upcoming electoral battles.