Will Bhupen Borah's Exit Really Affect the Congress Party in Assam?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Guwahati, Feb 19 (NationPress) Assam Congress MLA Rakibuddin Ahmed stated on Thursday that the departure of former Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bhupen Kumar Borah will have no effect on the party, which he referred to as a “vast ocean” that remains resilient despite individual departures.
In response to Borah’s announcement to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on February 22, Ahmed remarked that such political transitions are commonplace and will not diminish the party's strength.
“The Congress is akin to an ocean. Even if a single stream flows out, the ocean continues to exist unchanged. Borah’s exit will not have any bearing on the party,” he informed journalists.
Ahmed expressed confidence that the Congress will secure victory in the upcoming elections in Assam, claiming that the “ocean of Congress” will dominate the state during the next Assembly elections.
He emphasized that the party will regain power under the guidance of Gaurav Gogoi, the Deputy Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha. “This time, the Congress will form the government in Assam under Gaurav Gogoi’s leadership,” the MLA asserted.
Borah, who held the position of APCC president during a crucial period for the party, including the previous Assembly and Lok Sabha elections, resigned earlier this week, sparking significant political speculation.
His departure is interpreted as a significant blow to the opposition party, which has been facing internal challenges and a series of defections in recent years.
In a politically significant move, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited Borah’s home a few days ago, intensifying speculation regarding his upcoming transition to the BJP.
The Chief Minister later confirmed that Borah is set to officially join the ruling party on February 22, a decision that could enhance the BJP’s organizational strength ahead of the imminent Assembly elections.
Nevertheless, Congress leaders have attempted to minimize the repercussions of Borah’s resignation, asserting that the party’s grassroots foundation and collaborative leadership remain robust. Ahmed reiterated that the Congress’ ideological base and public support cannot be undermined by individual political decisions.
The ongoing developments are under close observation as Assam's political landscape continues to experience rapid transformations leading up to the elections.