Assam MP Pradyut Bordoloi Joins BJP, Citing Humiliation in Congress

Lok Sabha MP Pradyut Bordoloi, a prominent leader from Assam, officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on March 18, 2026, a day after resigning from the Indian National Congress. The move comes as a significant political development shortly before the Assam Assembly elections, weakening the Congress's position in the state. Bordoloi, who represented the Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency, cited deep-seated issues of alleged humiliation and a lack of a supportive environment within the Congress's Assam unit as the primary reasons for his departure. He stated that his decision was not solely about ticket allocation for the upcoming elections but stemmed from 'multiple issues' that made it impossible for him to continue with the party. Bordoloi's resignation letter, addressed to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, expressed an 'overwhelming sense of sadness' and marked the end of his long association with the party. He indicated that he had been 'mentally hurt and internally exhausted' by the prevailing circumstances. Sources suggest that a significant trigger for his exit was the alleged humiliation by Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi over the selection of a candidate for the Laharighat Assembly constituency. Bordoloi also raised concerns about the party's alleged association with 'communal elements,' particularly in relation to an incident where Emdadul Islam, an alleged associate of Lahorighat MLA Asif Mohammad Nazar, was involved in an attack on Bordoloi in April 2025. Bordoloi alleged that Islam received a 'hero's welcome' after getting bail and was later seen at Congress events with Nazar and Gogoi. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed Bordoloi into the BJP, stating that his induction would significantly strengthen the party. This defection is the second major blow to the Congress in Assam within a short period, following the departure of former Assam Congress president Bhupen Kumar Borah to the BJP just a month prior. Bordoloi's exit reduces the Congress's Lok Sabha representation from Assam to two MPs. His political career spans over two decades, having served as a four-time MLA from Margherita and a cabinet minister in the Assam government between 2001 and 2015, handling key portfolios such as Industries, Commerce, Power, and Public Enterprises. He transitioned to national politics in 2019, winning the Nagaon Lok Sabha seat and retaining it in 2024. While Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress leader, acknowledged Bordoloi's decision as 'unfortunate' and suggested ticket distribution differences as a possible cause, Bordoloi himself clarified that his decision was about more than just electoral tickets. He emphasized that he could have accepted humiliation to remain an MP but chose to leave to 'work' with dignity. The BJP has indicated its willingness to accommodate Bordoloi, with Chief Minister Sarma assuring that his interests would be taken care of and that he would be given a seat to contest the Assembly polls. This political maneuver injects new uncertainty into the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, with Bordoloi's move strengthening the BJP's position in the state and further challenging the Congress's prospects.

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