“Swore at Maa Kamakhya, Now BJP”: Gaurav Gogoi’s Big Attack on Bhupen Borah

Guwahati: Speculation over the political future of former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Borah appeared to end as it became almost certain that the senior leader is set to join the Bharatiya Janata Party on February 22. The development triggered a fierce reaction from Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president and Lok Sabha Deputy Leader of Opposition Gaurav Gogoi, who launched a scathing political attack over the unfolding episode.

Breaking his silence on the high-voltage political saga, Gogoi alleged that leaders and parties lose relevance after aligning with the current BJP leadership. He cited the weakening of the Asom Gana Parishad and claimed that several senior figures who joined the BJP earlier have faded from prominence. He also referred to former Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, saying he is rarely seen in the political spotlight now.

Gogoi further questioned Borah’s credibility, recalling that the former APCC chief had once publicly vowed before Maa Kamakhya Temple and Batadrava Than that he would never join the BJP. “If someone makes such a declaration and shifts sides immediately after resigning, people will judge how acceptable his words and commitments are,” Gogoi said.

He also targeted Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing him of political inconsistency. Gogoi pointed to Sarma’s earlier criticism of Borah and his recent change in tone, alleging that the two leaders were now “actors in the same play.” He went on to describe Sarma as “Assam’s Jinnah” and questioned his authority to grant political or ideological legitimacy to others.

Framing the moment as a larger ideological battle, Gogoi declared that the coming elections would be a contest between the “old Congress and the new Congress,” and accused the BJP of being increasingly populated by former Congress leaders seeking political survival. He claimed many grassroots BJP workers were unhappy with the influx of defectors and the shifting power dynamics within the party.

Gogoi also suggested that Borah’s move came at a time when the Congress was attempting to highlight sensitive issues before the public, including allegations of large land holdings linked to influential families. He alleged that political manoeuvres were being used to divert attention from such matters.

Ending on a note of organisational resilience, Gogoi asserted that the Congress would endure beyond individual leaders. “Congress is like an ocean; we are all just drops. It existed long before us and will continue even after us and our future generations,” he said, projecting confidence in the party’s long-term political relevance despite the ongoing defections.

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