Assam Congress Leader Joins BJP

Bhupen Borah, a leader from the Assam Congress, has officially joined the BJP. He said he left the Congress because he felt decisions were made by only a few people. This is a big change for politics in Assam.
By Newsroom | Politics, Assam |

Bhupen Borah, a prominent figure in the Assam Congress, has officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a move that follows his recent resignation from his former party. This defection raises questions about the internal stability and appeal of the Congress in Assam.

Political Landscape Shifts in Assam

The recent move by Bhupen Borah from the Congress to the BJP in Assam marks a significant development. Borah, who previously held the position of ex-Assam Congress chief, submitted his resignation from the Congress party. Following his resignation, several Congress leaders reportedly made efforts to persuade him to reconsider his decision. Despite these attempts, Borah confirmed his intention to join the BJP, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announcing the switch in the presence of Borah.

Discontent Within Assam Congress

Following his decision to join the BJP, Borah articulated his reasons for leaving the Congress. He pointed to what he described as a concentration of decision-making power within the Assam Congress, specifically mentioning Dhubri MP Rakibul Hussain. Borah stated his belief that this situation creates a perception, which he also views as reality, that the Congress is "no longer a party of Assamese mainstream people.”

The defection of Bhupen Borah occurs against a backdrop of internal challenges within the Congress party. Reports from April 2023 highlighted the expulsion of Dr. Angkita Dutta, President of the Assam Pradesh Youth Congress, from the primary membership of the party for six years. This expulsion was attributed to her alleged "anti-party activities." Dutta's family has a long-standing association with the Congress.

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Congress insisted they had convinced him to stay. Day later, party’s ex-Assam chief confirms switch to BJP - 1

Allegations and Political Maneuvering

External scrutiny has also touched upon other Congress figures in Assam. In early May 2025, Chief Minister Himanta Sarma made a significant allegation concerning Gaurav Gogoi, suggesting he spent 15 days in Pakistan and implying his actions could have indirectly aided the Pakistan Army. Gogoi has reportedly not denied his visits to Pakistan. This situation led to discussions about Sarma intending to meet with Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress President, regarding these allegations.

Expert Insights

Political observers note that party switching is a common phenomenon in Indian politics, often influenced by factors such as leadership issues, perceived electoral prospects, and internal party dynamics. The specific grievances cited by Bhupen Borah regarding decision-making power could be indicative of broader organizational challenges within regional Congress units. The timing of these defections and allegations often aligns with upcoming political events, suggesting a strategic element to such moves.

Conclusion and Implications

The confirmed switch of Bhupen Borah to the BJP, coupled with earlier internal party expulsions and public allegations against Congress leaders, suggests a period of significant upheaval for the Congress in Assam. These events underscore the challenges the party faces in maintaining unity and projecting a strong, cohesive image. The BJP, by absorbing leaders from rival parties, appears to be consolidating its position in the state. The long-term implications for the Congress's electoral prospects and organizational structure in Assam remain to be seen.

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Sources:

Note: The provided data included references to Andrew Johnson's domestic affairs and impeachment proceedings. These were not directly relevant to the events concerning political shifts in Assam and have been omitted from this report.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Bhupen Borah leave the Congress?
He said that only a few people in the Congress were making decisions, and he felt the party was not for most Assamese people.
Q: Who is Bhupen Borah?
He was a leader in the Assam Congress party and used to be its chief.
Q: What does this mean for Assam politics?
It shows that the Congress party in Assam is facing problems and the BJP is getting stronger there.