Bhupen Borah Resigns from Congress, Accuses Leaders of Betrayal

In a significant political development just ahead of the Assam Assembly elections, former state Congress president Bhupen Kumar Borah has resigned from the Indian National Congress. His resignation, announced on February 16, 2026, comes with sharp accusations directed at the party’s leadership, particularly highlighting issues of marginalization and a crisis of credibility within the Assam Congress.

Borah’s resignation letter serves not only as a farewell but also as a scathing critique of the party’s internal dynamics. He emphasized “self-respect and dignity” as non-negotiable values, claiming that he was systematically sidelined following his removal as president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC). He alleged that crucial decisions were made without his involvement during his tenure and accused leaders from the All India Congress Committee (AICC) of undermining his position.

Allegations of Leadership Failures

Borah’s primary grievance centers on a lack of authority, stating that he was relegated to a “largely ornamental” role. He expressed frustration over the unprecedented interference from AICC leaders regarding the appointments of district and block presidents. In his resignation, he noted, “Personal reversals I can withstand, but self-respect and dignity are not currencies with which I may barter.”

One of the most serious allegations in Borah’s letter targets current APCC chief Gaurav Gogoi. He criticized Gogoi for actions that he claims led to the collapse of a critical anti-BJP alliance. Borah asserted that Gogoi nominated a candidate who previously sought a BJP ticket, a decision that alienated coalition partners and undermined collaborative efforts.

Borah also raised questions regarding the integrity of the ticket distribution process, suggesting that monetary inducements may have swayed decisions. Despite public allegations from a BJP minister and a senior journalist, he noted that no legal actions were taken to address these claims.

Concerns Over Party Image

Among the most sensitive issues raised in Borah’s resignation was the matter of Gogoi’s previous visits to Pakistan. He described this as a “national sensitivity” and criticized the party’s failure to provide a clear response, arguing that such ambiguity has severely tarnished Congress’s image. He warned that in politics, perception often outweighs reality, stating, “Silence rarely serves as an adequate defense.”

Borah did not limit his criticisms to state leadership but also targeted senior AICC officials, including Jitendra Singh and Syed Naseer Hussain. He accused them of excessive interference in Assam’s political matters. Borah claimed that despite his efforts to strengthen Congress in Eastern Assam after distancing the party from the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), he faced blame for electoral challenges without being granted real authority.

The timing of his resignation raises questions about the party’s future direction. It comes just days before Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is scheduled to visit Assam on February 18, where Borah was reportedly tasked with building alliances for the upcoming elections. His departure leaves a significant void in the party’s leadership during a critical period.

As the Assam Assembly elections approach, Borah’s resignation highlights deeper fissures within the Congress party in the state. His exit is not merely a departure but serves as a public confrontation of internal discord and compromised leadership. The party now faces the challenge of addressing these issues while simultaneously preparing for a forthcoming electoral battle against the BJP. The critical question remains whether Congress can mend its internal divisions and maintain its standing in Assam’s political landscape.