Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president, Gaurav Gogoi, criticized former state Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah for deciding to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on February 22, as announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Gogoi labeled Borah as a “shrewd leader” and questioned his credibility to speak on Congress matters, highlighting Borah’s previous pledges against joining the BJP.
Gogoi condemned Sarma’s characterization of Borah as a “Hindu leader,” expressing concerns over the divisive nature of such statements that could fuel communal tensions in Assam’s political landscape. He emphasized the need for inclusive politics in the state rather than religious labeling of leaders, criticizing the Chief Minister’s approach.
Moreover, Gogoi remarked that Borah’s departure from the Congress had brought clarity to the party’s political stance, suggesting that those lacking ideological commitment were free to leave. He affirmed the Congress’s commitment to advancing with leaders who uphold its core values, indicating a strategic direction for the party.
Chief Minister Sarma’s announcement of Borah’s formal induction into the BJP on February 22 has stirred political discussions ahead of the 2026 Assam Assembly elections. Borah, the former APCC president, had previously resigned from the Congress, triggering speculations about his political affiliations. The impending move has added to the political dynamics within Assam’s opposition landscape.
