Former Assam Congress Chief Bhupen Borah Steps Down, Highlights Self-Respect Issues
In a significant political development in Guwahati, Bhupen Borah, the former president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), has officially resigned from the Congress party. Borah justified his decision by expressing feelings of being ignored within the party and emphasizing concerns for its future trajectory.
Media Address and Resignation Details
Speaking to the media at his residence in Ghoramara, Guwahati, Borah was surrounded by leaders from the All India Congress Committee (AICC) and APCC who had rushed to persuade him to reconsider. In his statement, Borah firmly declared, "I did not compromise on self-respect and dignity." He hinted that his self-respect had been hurt during his tenure with Congress, which spanned 32 years since he joined in 1994.
Borah submitted his resignation letter to AICC leaders, including president Mallikarjun Kharge, at 8 a.m. on Monday. He explained that the decision was not merely personal but stemmed from a deep-seated worry about the Congress party's future. "This decision to resign from Congress cannot be only personal. I am concerned about the future of Congress party," Borah stated, underscoring the broader implications of his move.
Reasons and Future Plans
While Borah provided detailed reasons for his resignation in the letter to AICC, he chose not to disclose them publicly at this time. "I cannot divulge more details. At the right time, I will invite the media to give more details," he said, leaving room for further revelations. Additionally, Borah has not yet revealed any plans to join another political party, despite overtures from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Raijor Dal.
On the potential for a new political alignment, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the BJP is prepared to offer Borah a "safe seat" to contest in the upcoming assembly polls. Meanwhile, Raijor Dal president Akhil Gogoi expressed readiness to appoint Borah as the party's president, highlighting the competitive interest in his political allegiance.
Broader Political Implications
This resignation marks a pivotal moment in Assam's political landscape, potentially reshaping alliances and strategies ahead of elections. Borah's departure from Congress, after over three decades of service, raises questions about internal party dynamics and voter perceptions. As developments unfold, all eyes are on Borah's next steps and how they might influence regional politics.
