“Don’t think Tarun Gogoi’s son would do anything like that”: Pradyut Bordoloi on Gaurav Gogoi’s alleged Pakistan links

Former Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi on March 21 dismissed allegations of Pakistan links against MP Gaurav Gogoi, stating that he does not believe the son of former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi could be involved in anything of that nature.

Pradyut Bordoloi, addressing a press conference said, “I do not believe that the son of Tarun Gogoi would do such a thing."

Addressing his first press conference after resigning from the Congress and joining the BJP, Bordoloi said, "I was neglected in every sphere. There was an atmosphere of suspicion all around. Leaders who attacked me were given importance, and I was repeatedly insulted."

Reflecting on his long association with the Congress, Bordoloi said his political journey began early. “I had joined the NSUI at the age of 16. It was because of the Congress that my personality developed,” he stated, recalling his formative years in student politics. He also cited a moment of personal pride from 1978, when he welcomed former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during her visit to Assam following the Emergency. “I had draped a gamosa on her,” he said, adding that he was later removed from his post as General Secretary of Cotton College and faced a no-confidence motion.

Bordoloi also expressed disappointment over the lack of support during internal disputes. Referring to remarks made by Congress MP Imran Masood, Bordoloi said, “After Imran Masood called my statements false, Gaurav Gogoi did not speak even once. Instead, he said I was making things up.”

Bordoloi disclosed that he had received an offer from the BJP’s top leadership to contest from Dispur. “I was not familiar with BJP’s culture. What I wanted was to protect my self-respect and contribute to taking Assam forward. I had no preconditions,” he said, adding that the “welcome and support” he received in recent days had reassured him.

He further revealed that such offers had been made to him repeatedly over the years. “I had been receiving offers for many years, but I kept rejecting them,” Bordoloi noted.

Former Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi on March 20 described his switch to the Bharatiya Janata Party and candidature from Dispur as a “very difficult” and “painful” decision, while expressing confidence about integrating into the party.

Speaking after being fielded as a BJP candidate, Bordoloi said he has received a warm welcome from party leaders and workers, which has reassured him about his move. “It has been a very difficult and painful decision, but the warmth and treatment I have received have reassured me. I am sure I will be able to merge seamlessly with the BJP family,” he said.

Emphasising his willingness to adapt, Bordoloi added, “I am a good student. I will learn and try to become a good compatriot of the BJP.”

Acknowledging possible resentment among grassroots workers over his candidature, he said the party leadership must have had strong reasons for fielding him as a new entrant. “My approach is clear, I will go to them with folded hands, seek their guidance, support and blessings,” he stated.