Patience pays off: APCC Chief Bhupen Borah on party candidature amid bypoll controversy

As the controversy over the Assam Congress’ candidate selection for the upcoming bypolls gains momentum, state party president Bhupen Borah addressed the issue, sharing a personal account of resilience and growth within the party. 

Speaking at a recent event, Borah revealed his own experiences of facing setbacks in his political journey. "There were four occasions when I was denied a ticket by the party," he said. "Yet today, I stand as the president of this party, with the responsibility of distributing tickets for five constituencies." His remarks underscored the importance of enduring the highs and lows in politics. 

Borah emphasized the value of patience, explaining that it had been a crucial factor in his rise within the party ranks. "That time, my patience was truly tested," he recalled. "It was my endurance during those challenging moments that eventually brought me to this position, where I now have the opportunity to decide candidatures. If that's not a testament to perseverance, then what is?"

The Assam Congress leader’s comments came amid ongoing debates about candidate selection for the bypolls, with some party members expressing dissatisfaction over the process. Borah's statements seemed aimed at conveying a message of optimism and resilience, highlighting that setbacks should be seen as stepping stones rather than dead ends in the pursuit of political goals. 

The Assam Sanmilita Mancha (ASOM) is grappling with internal divisions ahead of the crucial Bihali by-election, casting a shadow over efforts to maintain a united front among opposition parties. The rift centers around the selection of a candidate, as the state Congress faces backlash over the potential nomination of BJP defector Jayanta Bora, who recently joined Congress. The reluctance to embrace Bora’s candidacy, despite a five-member committee’s endorsement, has stirred discontent among local party workers.

Expressing frustration during a press conference, Biswanath District Congress President Dilip Baruah openly questioned Bora's credentials. "Who is Jayanta Bora?" he asked, underscoring the longstanding commitment of local Congress members who have supported the party through challenging times. Baruah criticized the idea of handing the ticket to an outsider, saying, "If a wealthy individual from outside is given the ticket, what motivation remains for the new generation to contribute to the party?"

The tensions escalated as the Biswanath District Congress issued a stern ultimatum, threatening to withdraw support if Bora’s candidacy is endorsed. They have demanded that the ticket be awarded to one of the five candidates proposed by local Congress leaders for the Bihali by-election. The dissatisfaction among party members in Biswanath and Bihali has grown palpable, with many viewing Bora's potential candidacy as an affront to grassroots workers.

Amid the growing controversy, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Bhupen Kumar Borah addressed the situation, acknowledging the delicate state of the alliance. He affirmed his support for continued collaboration among opposition parties but acknowledged that the final decision regarding Bora's candidacy rests with the All India Congress Committee (AICC). "I want the alliance to continue and have conveyed my views to the leadership. However, I must abide by whatever the AICC decides," he remarked, leaving Bora's fate uncertain as the party grapples with mounting internal dissent.

The unfolding conflict highlights a broader struggle within ASOM to balance internal party dynamics and maintain a cohesive opposition strategy, with the upcoming Bihali by-election serving as a crucial test of unity.