BREAKING: Assam CM Meets Bhupen Borah Amid Defection Buzz, BJP Entry Likely Soon

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday reached senior Congress leader Bhupen Borah’s Ghoramara residence in Guwahati, fuelling political speculation ahead of the Assembly elections.

Borah’s wife welcomed the Chief Minister with a traditional Assamese gamusa, symbolically receiving him at their residence.

Speaking to the media during the interaction, Borah said he would listen to the Chief Minister and share his views.

“Wait for some time, as the Chief Minister has just reached my home. He is not only the Chief Minister but also a senior leader of a political party. I will hear him, and I will speak whatever I feel like to say. So far, I am not a member of any political party. Had I objected to the Chief Minister’s visit, everyone would have criticised me, as he himself wanted to visit me,” Borah said.

Reacting to Sarma’s earlier political predictions, Borah acknowledged that several of them had turned out to be accurate.

“Yes, many of his previous predictions have become reality in politics,” he said.

Sarma’s Criticism of Congress and Election Signals

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Sarma addressed Borah’s departure from the Congress, stating that his own political journey had been guided by destiny.

“I did not assume the Chief Minister’s post during Congress’s rule in the state due to Maa Kamakhya’s blessings. Had I become CM under Congress, it would have been a disservice to the future,” Sarma said.

He strongly criticised the Congress leadership in Assam, claiming the party was no longer APCC but APCC (R), referring to internal factionalism.

“It is no longer APCC; it has become APCC-R. Some interpret it as BM (Bangladeshi Muslim). The party is divided,” he said.

Sarma alleged caste and community-based pressure during ticket allocation and warned of possible financial irregularities in candidate selection.

“A small group of so-called inclusive-minded leaders has already decided ticket lists for constituencies. This is unhealthy for democracy,” he added.

He also confirmed upcoming inductions into the BJP ahead of elections.

“Pradyut Bordoloi will join the BJP 100 per cent. Debabrata Saikia will also join, regardless of attempts to block him. Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi has brought two MLAs into his party in five years, and now he has three. Bhupen Borah’s induction on February 20–21 will be timely for election preparations,” Sarma said.

While praising Borah’s contributions, Sarma referred to challenges from other leaders, including Rakibul Hussain, whose electoral victories had been widely perceived as significant.

Bhupen Borah Signals Political Uncertainty, Confirms Election Plans

Amid the unfolding political developments, Borah described his current position as uncertain.

“Right now, I feel like a boat without an oar. I will accept whatever decision the people make,” he said.

Speaking emotionally to the press after resigning from the Assam Congress, the former Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) chief confirmed that his resignation was final.

“I have submitted my resignation and it stands. Multiple parties have approached me, and I am evaluating all offers carefully. Friends and well-wishers from Hyderabad and Delhi are visiting, and I will announce my decision soon,” Borah said.

He reiterated that public service remains his priority.

“I have decided to contest the election. Serving the people has always been my focus, and that will continue,” he said, adding that he is considering Bihpuria or Ranganadi as potential constituencies.

Sharp Critique of Congress Leadership and Alliance Politics

Borah also criticised the internal functioning of the Congress, alleging mental pressure on party members.

“Many party members are facing mental torture due to internal disputes. Many do not want to leave the party, but they also cannot accept APCC (R). The party has now become APCC (R), and I cannot remain part of it,” he said.

Reflecting on past political decisions, he suggested that breaking the Opposition alliance with the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) weakened Congress electorally.

“If the alliance had continued, Badruddin Ajmal would not have lost in Dhubri. The people of Assam will judge these decisions,” Borah said.

He also highlighted his role in strengthening the party in the past.

“I brought leaders like Ranoj Pegu into Congress. At that time, it was argued that his joining would strengthen Upper Assam. Today, the state can see where Congress stands,” he added.

Also Read: "I Was Sidelined Overnight": Bhupen Borah Opens Up on Congress Turmoil