Bhupen Borah, a prominent figure in Assam's Congress party and a former state unit chief, withdrew his resignation on February 16, 2026, after stepping down earlier that day. The reversal followed intervention from the Congress's central leadership, including senior figures and direct communication from Rahul Gandhi. This event unfolded amidst the backdrop of upcoming Assembly elections and a recent legal directive against Borah for alleged indecent behavior.
Timeline of Events
On Monday, February 16, 2026, Bhupen Borah submitted his resignation to the Congress high command. Later that day, following discussions with party leaders, he withdrew his resignation.
Morning: Borah submits his resignation letter to the party's central leadership.
Throughout the day: Senior Congress leaders, including Jitendra Singh (AICC Assam in-charge) and Gaurav Gogoi (Assam unit chief), meet with Borah at his residence.
Evening: AICC Assam in-charge Jitendra Singh confirms that Borah has withdrawn his resignation. Gaurav Gogoi issues an apology for any hurt Borah may have felt.
Statements: Borah tells reporters he sought time to reconsider his decision. Party leaders indicate the resignation was not accepted.
Circumstances Surrounding Resignation
The resignation and subsequent withdrawal occurred in a politically charged environment. Borah had recently been tasked with leading alliance talks for the upcoming Assembly elections, involving several regional parties. This task aimed to form a united front against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
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Simultaneously, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had directed the state police to register a case against Borah for alleged indecent behavior in a public place. This directive also implicated other Congress leaders present during the alleged incident.
Official Statements and Party Actions
Jitendra Singh, AICC in-charge for Assam, officially confirmed the withdrawal of Borah's resignation. He stated that the party high command had not accepted the resignation and that the matter was resolved amicably through dialogue. Singh also extended an apology on behalf of the party if Borah felt aggrieved.
"We apologise to Bhupen Borah if he felt hurt due to certain issues in the party." - Gaurav Gogoi, Assam Unit Chief
Gaurav Gogoi also acknowledged the situation, emphasizing the party's democratic nature where internal issues are addressed through discussion.
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"In politics, resignations are withdrawn after conversations." - Senior Congress Leader (Delhi)
Bhupen Borah himself indicated that he had requested additional time from the high command to reconsider his decision, suggesting internal deliberations were ongoing.
Party Leadership Engagement
The intervention by the central Congress leadership was a key factor in Borah's decision to withdraw.
Jitendra Singh and Gaurav Gogoi held direct meetings with Borah at his residence to discuss the issues that led to his resignation.
Sources indicate that Rahul Gandhi also personally spoke with Borah, influencing his decision to reverse his resignation.
Broader Political Context
Borah's resignation and its quick reversal occurred shortly after he was assigned a significant role in forging alliances for the upcoming Assembly elections. This suggests the party prioritized unity and stability in the face of electoral challenges. The legal proceedings initiated against Borah by the state government add another layer of complexity to the internal party dynamics.
Conclusion
Bhupen Borah's resignation from the Assam Congress was a brief but significant event, ultimately reversed due to the direct intervention of the party's central leadership. The series of meetings and communication, including from senior leaders like Jitendra Singh, Gaurav Gogoi, and reportedly Rahul Gandhi, appear to have resolved the immediate crisis. The party's stance, as communicated by Jitendra Singh, is that the resignation was not accepted and the matter has been settled through dialogue, underscoring a commitment to internal resolution. The incident highlights the intricate political landscape in Assam, especially as the state approaches Assembly elections, and the party's efforts to maintain internal cohesion.
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Sources Used:
The Hindu: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/assam/bhupen-borah-resignation-withdrawal-updates-congress-rahul-gandhi-gaurav-gogoi/article70638350.ece - Reports on AICC Assam in-charge's confirmation of withdrawal and Borah's statement about seeking time.
New Indian Express: https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2026/Feb/16/bhupen-borah-withdraws-resignation-after-congress-commands-intervention - Confirms withdrawal post-intervention, details meetings, and mentions Rahul Gandhi's personal conversation.
Scroll.in: https://www.scroll.in/latest/1090775/ex-assam-congress-chief-bhupen-borah-resigns-from-party-withdraws-decision-hours-later - Notes the withdrawal hours after stepping down, mentions the CM's directive for a case against Borah, and Borah's role in alliance talks.
Devdiscourse: https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3806652-bhupen-borahs-resignation-reversed-after-congress-intervention - Focuses on the reversal after high command intervention and mentions AICC state in-charge Jitendra Singh's claims.
Indian Express: https://www.indianexpress.com/article/india/former-assam-congress-chief-bhupen-borah-quits-party-ahead-of-polls-10534631/ - Details Borah's resignation submission time and the efforts by central leadership to convince him to reconsider.
Assam Tribune: https://assamtribune.com/assam/resignation-row-in-assam-congress-borah-seeks-time-party-says-its-withdrawn-1607659 - Highlights contradictory statements from Assam Congress, with AICC asserting withdrawal while Borah seeks time. Also notes Borah's communication over internal concerns.
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