Bhupen Borah (File photo)
GUWAHATI: Congress’s campaign committee chairperson in poll-bound Assam and ex-PCC president Bhupen Borah resigned Monday over being “ignored”, sending the party brass scurrying to persuade him to put his decision on hold amid signs of an implosion days ahead of national general secretary and MP Priyanka Gandhi’s scheduled visit.CM Himanta Sarma added to Congress’s discomfiture by declaring BJP would keep its door open for Borah, whom he plans to meet Tuesday. They go back a long way, having spent years together in Congress.Rahul Gandhi joined in the firefighting, calling Borah to reconsider his decision. State Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi described Borah as “a pillar of strength and a true Congressman”, apologising for “any wrong that was done to him”.Congress sources said Borah sent his resignation letter to AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, suggesting he was feeling sidelined despite being officially tasked with forging opposition alliances. Seat-sharing talks between Congress and its allies have been delayed.”My old colleagues are at my home. My central leadership reached out and gave me some advice. I sought time…Either today or tomorrow morning, I will meet Jitendra Singh (AICC’s Assam minder) and convey my final decision,” Borah told reporters after a three-hour meeting with a party delegation. Singh insisted Borah had already withdrawn his resignation, at which the latter clarified he needed to consult his family.”I never made public what I wrote in my letter. I have two brothers, a sister and other family members with whom I need to discuss,” he said, adding that his brothers’ businesses suffered due to his involvement in politics.Sarma suggested Borah would make the switch to BJP, spelling out how he stood to gain. “We will give him (Borah) a chance to win the state polls by offering him a safe seat from where it will be easier to win.” Borah, a two-time MLA from Bihpuria, led Assam Congress from 2021 to 2025 before being replaced by Gaurav.
