Congress – Assam Leader Bhupen Borah Seeks Time After Resignation

Congress –  Senior Congress leader Bhupen Kumar Borah has requested time to reconsider his resignation just hours after stepping down from the party, setting off a wave of urgent discussions within the Assam unit ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

Borah, who previously served as the party’s Assam president, tendered his resignation to the central leadership earlier in the day. The move surprised many within the organization, particularly as preparations intensify for the state polls expected in April. His decision prompted immediate outreach from senior leaders seeking clarity and urging him to rethink his stand.

Senior Leaders Step In for Talks

Soon after his resignation became public, senior party figures, including Rahul Gandhi, engaged in conversations with Borah. The party’s Assam in-charge, Jitendra Singh, along with state president Gaurav Gogoi, visited his residence in an effort to persuade him to withdraw the resignation.

Speaking briefly to reporters outside his home, Borah acknowledged the outreach. He said that several of his long-time colleagues and central leaders had come to meet him and offer suggestions. Emphasizing his respect for the party leadership, he noted that he had asked for some time before taking a final decision.

According to sources familiar with the discussions, Borah indicated that he would communicate what he described as his “family’s decision” to the leadership by Monday night or Tuesday morning. The phrasing suggested that he was weighing both personal and political considerations before making his next move.

Surprise Within the Party

The resignation came as a shock to many within the party ranks. A senior Congress leader expressed surprise, stating that Borah had been actively engaged with colleagues as recently as the previous night. “Even last night, he was with us. We don’t know what happened suddenly,” the leader said, reflecting the sense of confusion surrounding the development.

Party insiders acknowledged that the timing of the resignation has added to the uncertainty. With the Assam Assembly elections drawing closer, the Congress is in the midst of strategizing candidate selection, alliances, and campaign messaging. Any leadership instability at this stage is seen as potentially disruptive.

Political Implications Ahead of Polls

Borah’s resignation has sparked speculation about internal disagreements, though no official reason has been publicly detailed. Leaders close to him have refrained from commenting on specific issues, instead focusing on efforts to maintain unity.

The Congress has been working to strengthen its organizational base in Assam, where it faces stiff competition from rival parties. As a prominent figure in the state unit, Borah’s role has been considered significant in shaping the party’s electoral strategy and outreach efforts.

Political observers note that decisions taken in the coming hours could influence the party’s morale and preparedness. If Borah withdraws his resignation, it may signal a resolution of differences and a renewed focus on the election campaign. If not, the party may need to recalibrate its leadership structure at a critical juncture.

For now, the focus remains on ongoing consultations. The central leadership appears keen to resolve the matter swiftly to prevent further uncertainty within the state unit. Borah’s final decision, expected shortly, is likely to determine the immediate course of events within the Assam Congress.