“Congress Has Become APCC (R),” Says Bhupen Borah

“Right now, I feel like a boat without an oar. I will accept whatever decision the people make,” said senior leader Bhupen Borah on Tuesday, following his resignation from the Assam Congress and signalling that he will contest the upcoming Assembly elections outside the party.

Speaking to the press in an emotional interaction, the former Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) chief said, “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 clarified that serving the public remains his priority. “I have decided to contest the election. Serving the people has always been my focus, and that will continue,” he said. He is reportedly considering Bihpuria or Ranganadi as his potential constituencies.

The senior leader was candid in his critique of Congress leadership, claiming that many party members face “mental torture” due to internal disputes. “Many are unwilling to leave the party, yet they cannot accept the APCC (R) either. The party has now become APCC (R), and I cannot remain part of it,” Borah remarked.

He also reflected on past political decisions, including the breaking of the Opposition alliance with the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), suggesting it weakened Congress’s electoral prospects. “If the alliance had held, Badruddin Ajmal would not have lost in Dhubri. The people of Assam will judge these decisions,” he said.

Recalling his own contributions to strengthening the party, Borah highlighted his role in bringing leaders like Ranoj Pegu into Congress. “At that time, it was argued that his joining would boost our strength in Upper Assam. Today, the state sees where Congress stands,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma publicly invited Borah to join the BJP, describing him as “one of the last prominent Hindu grassroots leaders in Assam Congress.” Sarma said he would meet Borah later and expressed hope that the senior leader would strengthen BJP’s position in the state. “If he had withdrawn his resignation, there would be no need to invite me. We will meet, and a decision will follow,” he added.

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