Himanta Biswa Sarma calls Borah the “last recognised Hindu leader” in Congress; induction on Feb 22 expected to reshape Assam’s political landscape
Guwahati: In a significant political development ahead of the Assembly elections, former Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bhupen Kumar Borah is set to formally join the Bharatiya Janata Party on February 22, marking the end of his nearly 32-year association with the Indian National Congress.
The announcement follows a high-profile meeting between Borah and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma at the latter’s residence in Ghoramara, a visit that triggered intense political speculation across the state.
Addressing the media, the Chief Minister described Borah not only as a long-time associate but also as a leader whose entry would significantly strengthen the BJP. “I came today to meet my former colleague. We worked together in the Congress for nearly 22 years. In fact, we joined the party together. I left earlier, and now he, too, has resigned,” he said.
The Chief Minister confirmed that Borah would formally join the BJP on February 22, with state president Dilip Saikia finalising the details of the induction ceremony. A sizeable number of Congress leaders and workers are also expected to switch sides alongside Borah in Guwahati and North Lakhimpur.
The Chief Minister further added that the BJP’s national leadership, including Nitin Nabin, has already approved and welcomed Borah’s entry. Calling the move a “homecoming,” the Chief Minister said Borah would be given full respect and dignity in the BJP. “This is a party of grassroots workers, people from ordinary families without political lineage. He will feel at home here,” he said.
The Chief Minister also underscored the symbolic weight of Borah’s departure from the Congress. He termed Borah “perhaps the last widely recognised Hindu leader” in the party in Assam, arguing that his exit reflects the Congress’s diminishing connection with the Assamese mainstream.
While acknowledging leaders like Pradyut Bordoloi, the Chief Minister noted that Borah’s political base has traditionally been rooted in the indigenous Assamese community, particularly in the Bihpuria constituency, where he narrowly lost in the last election.
Political observers say Borah’s switch could deal a fresh blow to Congress, which is already facing organisational challenges and leadership uncertainties in the state. His move is expected to influence local equations, particularly in Upper Assam, and further consolidate the BJP’s position ahead of the polls.
With the formal induction just days away, Borah’s transition is widely seen as a potential turning point in Assam politics, one that could reshape party alignments and redefine the battle lines for the upcoming Assembly elections.
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