Assam Politics: Bhupen Borah’s ‘32 Years vs 32 Hours’ Comment Fuels Debate Ahead of BJP Entry

Guwahati: Assam’s political landscape witnessed a major churn after former state Congress president Bhupen Borah met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Guwahati on Friday, signalling his imminent switch to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The interaction, which also saw the presence of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Lakhimpur MLA Manab Deka, has intensified speculation ahead of the 2026 Assam Assembly elections.

As the ‘32 Years vs 32 Hours’ remark gains traction following the meeting, MLA Manab Deka revealed that Borah confided in him about the contrast in how he felt treated politically. According to Deka, Borah remarked that in over three decades with the Congress, he had not experienced the level of regard that he received within just 32 hours of engaging with the BJP leadership. The comparison has since emerged as a defining phrase in Assam’s fast-evolving political discourse.

Borah reportedly described how Chief Minister Sarma introduced him to Amit Shah by referring to his modest family background, calling him “the son of a teacher.” Borah said the gesture left a deep impression on him, suggesting it influenced his political decision at a personal level.

Meanwhile, Borah’s departure from the Congress came shortly after leadership changes within the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee. Having spent decades within the party and served as its state chief, his resignation marked a significant moment for the opposition camp. His formal induction into the BJP is expected on February 22, 2026, just weeks before the anticipated March–April Assembly polls.

Observers note that the timing underscores the high stakes of the upcoming election and the BJP’s efforts to consolidate influential regional figures.

Expanding on Borah’s reflections, Manab Deka criticised sections of the Congress leadership, alleging that many leaders operate with a “VVIP mindset” and remain disconnected from everyday struggles. In contrast, he argued that BJP leaders generally emerge from ordinary backgrounds and maintain closer ties with grassroots realities.

The remarks echo the BJP’s broader narrative of projecting itself as a party rooted in social mobility and national service, especially in the election season.

Mixed political reactions continue to grip the developments because, while the BJP has described Borah’s move as evidence of growing confidence in its leadership and governance model, Congress leaders have attempted to minimise its significance. Congress Party representatives maintain that organisational strength and cadre loyalty remain intact despite high-profile exits.

It may be mentioned that Amit Shah’s Assam visit also focused on development initiatives and security issues, including the rollout of the second phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme. In public remarks, Shah criticised previous Congress administrations over border management and positioned the BJP as having strengthened security and infrastructure in the region.

According to political pundits, burning themes like development, border protection, and good governance are expected to dominate campaign narratives in both rural and border constituencies.

As Assam moves closer to the 2026 Assembly elections, Borah’s political recalibration, encapsulated in his “32 years versus 32 hours” statement, is likely to remain a central talking point. Whether it translates into electoral momentum for the BJP or sparks renewed mobilisation within the Congress will become clearer in the weeks ahead.

Also Read: Senior Assam Leader Bhupen Borah’s Meeting with Amit Shah Signals Political Shift Ahead of Elections