Bhupen Borah Quits Congress After 32 Years, Cites ‘Self-Respect’ and Leadership Paralysis
In a significant political development in Assam, senior Congress leader Bhupen Borah on Monday announced his resignation from the Indian National Congress, ending a 32-year association with the party.
Speaking to reporters in Guwahati, Borah said he had sent his resignation letter to the party’s central leadership at around 8 a.m. He described the move as final and driven by “self-respect.”
“I have resigned from the Congress. I have already forwarded my resignation letter to the central leadership,” Borah said. “I have quit the party for my own self-respect.”
According to Borah, the resignation letter was formally submitted to the Congress high command early Monday morning. By mid-morning, he addressed the media in Guwahati to publicly confirm his decision.
Party sources indicated that the state unit was informed shortly after the central leadership received the communication. As of filing this report, there has been no official response from the All India Congress Committee.
Political observers noted that Borah’s statement was measured and deliberate, indicating that the decision was not abrupt. “This is not a sudden decision. I have thought about it carefully,” he said when asked whether the move was impulsive.
Reasons Behind the Exit
Borah expressed deep dissatisfaction with what he described as a lack of decisive leadership and organisational clarity within the party.
“The party is unable to even decide who should attend its rallies and who should not,” he remarked, pointing to confusion and internal coordination issues.
Without naming individuals, he hinted at persistent internal challenges and what he termed “leadership paralysis.” He claimed that despite raising concerns on multiple occasions, there was no meaningful response from the top leadership.
“I gave 32 years of my life to the Congress party,” Borah said, emphasising the length and depth of his association with the organisation.
Political Context in Assam
Borah’s resignation comes at a sensitive time for the Congress in Assam, where the party has been attempting to regain political ground ahead of the next Assembly elections.
In recent years, the Assam unit of the Congress has faced internal disagreements, factionalism, and challenges in presenting a united front against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in the state.
Political analysts believe Borah’s exit could further weaken the party’s organisational strength in Upper Assam and other regions where he held influence.
Reactions and Possible Impact
As of Monday afternoon, no senior Congress leader had issued an official public statement regarding Borah’s resignation. Party workers in Guwahati described the development as “unexpected but not entirely surprising,” citing ongoing internal tensions.
Observers say the resignation may trigger further churn within the Assam Congress unit, particularly if other leaders who share similar grievances decide to follow suit.
Borah, however, refrained from indicating his next political move. When asked about joining another party, he said he would consult his supporters and well-wishers before taking any decision.
Why It Matters
Bhupen Borah’s departure is being viewed as a significant setback for the Congress in Assam. Having spent over three decades within the party structure, his exit signals deeper organisational concerns that may affect the party’s preparations for upcoming electoral battles.
For the Congress at the national level, such resignations add to the challenge of maintaining unity and reviving its base in key states. Assam remains strategically important in the Northeast, both politically and symbolically.
Whether Borah’s resignation will lead to realignment within the state’s political landscape or remain an isolated development will become clearer in the coming days.
Our Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople
Bhupen Borah’s resignation underscores the fragile state of opposition politics in Assam. While individual departures are not uncommon in Indian politics, the exit of a leader with a 32-year legacy carries symbolic weight. His emphasis on “self-respect” and organisational confusion suggests deeper structural issues within the state unit.
For Congress, the immediate task will be damage control and reassurance to cadres ahead of future elections. For Assam’s political landscape, Borah’s next move could shape new equations. The coming weeks will determine whether this resignation marks a turning point or merely another chapter in the party’s ongoing internal struggles.