Former Assam Congress Chief Bhupen Borah Joins BJP

In a significant political development ahead of the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, former Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bhupen Borah formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday, February 22, 2026. The high-profile defection occurred at the BJP's state headquarters, 'Vajpayee Bhawan,' in Guwahati, in the presence of Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia and other senior party leaders. Along with Borah, another former Congress worker, Sanju Bora, also switched allegiance to the saffron party. Borah's move to the BJP came swiftly, just days after he submitted his resignation from the Indian National Congress on February 16, 2026. He cited reasons of 'self-respect' and alleged 'humiliation' within the Congress party, coupled with deep concerns about the party's future in the state. Borah, who had a 32-year long association with the Congress, had served as the president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee from 2021 until 2025, when he was replaced by Gaurav Gogoi. He had also served two terms as an MLA from the Bihpuria constituency from 2006 to 2016. Initially, after Borah's resignation on February 16, the Congress high command had not accepted it, and senior leaders, including Assam in-charge Jitendra Singh and even Rahul Gandhi, had reportedly contacted him to persuade him to reconsider his decision. Borah had initially sought time to review his decision until February 17, 2026. However, the very next day, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited Borah's residence in Guwahati and subsequently announced that Borah would formally join the BJP on February 22. Chief Minister Sarma publicly welcomed Borah, describing him as the 'last recognised Hindu leader' in the Congress without an inherited political career, and assured that he would be accorded all due respect and dignity within the BJP. Borah's departure is widely viewed as a significant setback for the Congress in Assam, particularly in Upper and North Assam, where he held considerable influence among sections of Hindu Assamese voters. His exit further exposes existing rifts within the state Congress unit, with Borah having reportedly accused state Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi of derailing a proposed opposition alliance ahead of Priyanka Gandhi's planned visit. He also expressed his dissatisfaction with the party's internal functioning and decision-making processes, particularly concerning a rally in Majuli. The timing of this political switch is crucial as the 126-member Assam Assembly is expected to go to polls in March-April (2026). Such high-profile defections invariably carry significant political weight, potentially reshaping electoral dynamics and outcomes in the poll-bound state. Borah's decision to join the BJP is seen as a strategic move that could strengthen the ruling party's position, while further weakening the Congress's efforts to regain ground. There is speculation that Borah might contest the upcoming Assembly elections on a BJP ticket, possibly from constituencies like Bihpuria or Ranganadi. This event underscores the fluid nature of Indian politics, especially at the state level, where leaders often switch parties for various reasons, including perceived opportunities, ideological alignment, or personal grievances. For the BJP, Borah's induction adds a seasoned political voice and a known face from the region, potentially bolstering their campaign efforts. For the Congress, it necessitates a strategic recalibration to address internal dissent and present a united front in the face of crucial elections.

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