Guwahati: Drama scenes unfolded on Monday as Assam Congress’s former state party president and current campaign committee chairman Bhupen Borah tendered his resignation, only to keep the decision on hold until Tuesday, after senior leaders rushed to his residence to persuade him.Adding more spice to the episode, chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, a former Congress man himself, declared that the BJP’s doors were open for Borah and that he would meet Borah on Tuesday.
Rahul Gandhi also spoke to Borah over the phone for 15 minutes, urging him to reconsider his decision. Assam PCC president Gaurav Gogoi described Borah as “a pillar of strength and a true Congressman,” apologising to him for any wrong that was done within the party.Congress sources said Borah sent his resignation letter to AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, citing feelings of being “ignored” despite being tasked with finalising opposition alliances. The delay in seat-sharing talks was the biggest hurdle to opposition unity in the state.The turmoil came just days ahead of Priyanka Gandhi’s scheduled visit to the state, adding to the political suspense.After a three-hour meeting with senior leaders, including AICC general secretary and in-charge of Assam Jitendra Singh, APCC president Gaurav Gogoi, MP Pradyut Bordoloi, and CLP leader Debabrata Saikia, Borah told reporters, “My old colleagues are at my home. My central leadership reached my home, and they gave me some advice. I sought time from him. Either today or tomorrow morning, I will meet Jitendra Singh ji and convey my final decision.”Later, in a joint press conference with Borah, Singh claimed Borah withdrew his resignation, but Borah clarified that he needed to consult his family.“I never made public what I wrote in my letter. I have two brothers, a sister, and other family members with whom I need to discuss the matter,” Borah said, adding that his brothers’ business interests suffered due to his politics.For now, Borah’s resignation remains suspended, leaving Congress in suspense as BJP signals a red-carpet welcome.“We will give him (Borah) a chance to win the assembly election by offering him a safe seat from where it will be easier to win,” CM Sarma said, predicting Borah’s eventual switch.Sarma and Borah joined Congress in the early 90s almost simultaneously. “Tomorrow I will go to his home. I will try to know his future political plans,” Sarma said, adding that he would convey best wishes even if Borah did not join BJP.Borah, a two-time MLA from Bihpuria, led the Assam Congress between 2021 and 2025, before being replaced by Gaurav. He was recently tasked with steering alliance talks, but internal conflicts stalled progress.
