Party hopping before polls normal, says Priyanka Gandhi on Bhupen Borah's exit

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi on February 19 downplayed the political impact of Bhupen Borah quitting the party, saying that switching sides ahead of elections is “very normal” in Indian politics.

Reacting to Borah’s decision, Gandhi said such developments are not unusual in the run-up to polls and asserted that the Congress continues to have strong leadership in Assam. She expressed confidence that the party remains united and capable of mounting an effective challenge in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Emphasising collective strength, Gandhi said Congress leaders and workers in the state would fight together and work cohesively to secure victory in the Assembly polls.

Meanwhile, Bhupen Borah has disclosed a revealing exchange with Rahul Gandhi that prompted his party switch. He resigned from Congress on February 16, dealing a setback ahead of the Assam assembly polls.

Borah described raising his humiliation within the party during a call from Gandhi post-resignation. "I had told Rahul Gandhi that I am feeling humiliated in the party, and then he said that he was also feeling humiliated. Then what is the value of my humiliation? I cannot tolerate such humiliation as I do not have so much capacity," he said.