The Congress party in Assam is set to experience a significant blow with the departure of senior leader and former APCC president Bhupen Kumar Borah. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has noted that this move will weaken the opposition party’s organizational strength in the run-up to the upcoming elections.
Sarma officially announced on Tuesday that Borah will be joining the Bharatiya Janata Party on February 22, marking a pivotal moment in Assam’s political landscape. Speaking at Borah’s residence, Sarma emphasized that the exit of a leader who dedicated nearly three decades to the Congress and rose to the position of state president underscores deep-seated internal issues within the party.
The Chief Minister mentioned that he will engage in further in-depth political discussions with Bhupen Borah on Wednesday. Dismissing accusations of Borah acting as a “BJP agent,” Sarma labeled such claims as unfounded and politically driven. He highlighted that a leader of Borah’s caliber does not step down without substantial reasons, especially after shouldering significant organizational responsibilities.
Sarma criticized the Congress high command for its handling of Borah’s grievances, implying that his concerns were overlooked rather than addressed with sensitivity. Without specifying individuals, Sarma alleged that some leaders within the Congress operate akin to “feudal lords,” detached from grassroots realities and resistant to being held accountable.
The Chief Minister pointed out that this internal culture has consistently marginalized dedicated leaders, ultimately compelling them to resign. Regarding the broader political implications, Sarma asserted that Borah’s departure will significantly impact the Congress’s credibility and morale in Assam, given his influence within the party structure. While clarifying that the BJP is not pursuing a “Congress-mukt” (Congress-free) agenda, Sarma emphasized the party’s commitment to offering a robust and reliable political alternative for the state.
He also anticipated a broader political realignment by 2031, indicating that Borah’s exit will continue to exert pressure on the Congress organization in the years to come.
