Ex-Assam Cong chief Bhupen Borah joins BJP ahead of polls

Former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah on Sunday formally joined the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in a ceremony at the party’s state headquarters, Vajpayee Bhawan , in Guwahati. The event was attended by Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia , marking a significant political development just weeks before the 126-member Assam Assembly elections , slated for March-April .

Borah had tendered his resignation from the Congress on February 16 , citing internal differences. His departure sparked immediate attention from the Congress high command. Senior leaders, including Rahul Gandhi , visited his residence to persuade him to reconsider. Despite this, Borah ultimately chose to join the BJP after a visit from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma , who announced on Saturday that Borah would officially join the saffron party on February 22. Former Congress worker Sanju Bora also joined the BJP during the function.

Borah’s entry into the BJP carries substantial implications for the upcoming elections. As a former state Congress president, Borah commands influence among key voter segments, particularly in areas where the Congress has historically been strong. His move is expected to strengthen BJP’s organizational structure , widen its voter base, and potentially draw away traditional Congress supporters. Analysts suggest that this could tilt the electoral balance in constituencies where the BJP and Congress have been in close contest in previous elections.

The Congress leadership has expressed regret over Borah’s exit, emphasizing that efforts were made to retain him. However, his decision highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the party in Assam, including internal dissent and leadership disputes . Political observers note that defections, especially of senior leaders, have become a recurring feature in the state’s political landscape, often influencing voter perceptions and campaign strategies.

Regional leaders like Borah are expected to play a crucial role in mobilizing local support for the BJP, leveraging their grassroots networks and familiarity with constituency-level dynamics. The BJP is likely to use such defections to project an image of growing momentum and consolidate its position among undecided voters.

With the elections approaching, Borah’s move is likely to reshape alliances, voter calculations, and campaign narratives in Assam. Congress’s challenge will be to mitigate the political fallout and retain its base, while the BJP gains a strategic advantage by showcasing prominent leaders joining its ranks. Analysts predict that these developments will make the contest more competitive and unpredictable, especially in constituencies where Borah wields significant influence.