Politics – Assam Leader Pradyut Bordoloi Explains Switch From Congress to BJP
Politics – Pradyut Bordoloi, a seasoned politician from Assam and a two-time Member of Parliament, has spoken openly about his decision to leave the Congress after decades of association and join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Now contesting the upcoming state Assembly election from Dispur on a BJP ticket, Bordoloi described a prolonged period of dissatisfaction within his former party.
Long-standing concerns within Congress
Bordoloi, who spent over 50 years with the Congress and even chaired the party’s manifesto committee for the Assam Assembly polls, said his discontent did not arise overnight. According to him, the issues began to surface around the time of the party’s internal elections in 2022.
He recalled supporting Shashi Tharoor during the Congress presidential race, even proposing his name and actively campaigning. Bordoloi suggested that this decision may have contributed to his growing isolation within the party. He alleged that after the election, he experienced a noticeable shift in how he was treated.
Despite this, he clarified that senior leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge and Sonia Gandhi maintained a respectful and supportive approach towards him. However, he pointed to what he described as a pattern of exclusion by the party’s second-rung leadership.
Limited role in parliamentary activities
One of the key grievances Bordoloi highlighted was his restricted participation in parliamentary debates. He stated that opportunities to speak in the Lok Sabha are internally managed by the party, and he was frequently overlooked.
Even when he was included, he claimed his name would often appear at the end of the list, leaving him with very little time to present his views. He emphasized that this limited his ability to represent the concerns of his constituency and the broader northeastern region effectively.
Bordoloi expressed frustration over this situation, questioning the purpose of holding a parliamentary position without meaningful engagement.
Incident during Panchayat elections
A significant turning point, according to Bordoloi, came during the 2025 Panchayat elections. He alleged that his vehicle was attacked by unidentified individuals armed with iron rods in what he described as an attempt on his life.
Subsequent findings, he claimed, indicated the involvement of a sitting Congress MLA from his constituency. Bordoloi said he reported the matter to senior party leaders, including the state unit chief and Priyanka Gandhi.
However, he expressed disappointment that no strong action was taken, and the accused leader continued to participate in party processes. This, he said, left him feeling humiliated and unsupported.
Strained internal relationships
While discussing his rapport with fellow Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi, Bordoloi maintained that there were no personal issues. However, he acknowledged a lack of trust, stating that his concerns regarding his constituency were often dismissed.
He noted that repeated instances of his inputs being overlooked contributed to an environment where he felt undervalued and unable to function effectively within the party structure.
Decision to join BJP
Bordoloi stated that his move to the BJP followed an approach from the party leadership. Before accepting, he emphasized the importance of being treated with respect and dignity. He was subsequently offered the Dispur seat for the Assembly elections.
Addressing speculation about resistance within the BJP regarding his entry, he acknowledged that such reactions are natural when new candidates are introduced. He added that the party has since extended support and guidance to him.
Family and political choices
His son, Prateek Bordoloi, chose not to contest the Assembly elections from the Margherita constituency as a Congress candidate following his father’s departure from the party. Bordoloi clarified that his son made this decision independently and without any influence from him.
Induction into BJP
Pradyut Bordoloi formally joined the BJP in New Delhi on March 18 in the presence of senior party leaders, including Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. His induction came shortly after another prominent Assam Congress figure, Bhupen Kumar Borah, also switched to the ruling party.