Guwahati, 16 February (HS): Assam CM Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday described the resignation of former Assam Congress president Bhupen Kumar Borah as a “symbolic message,” asserting that it reflects the alleged marginalisation of leaders from ordinary families and the Hindu community within the party.
Speaking to the media on the first day of the Assembly’s Budget Session, the Chief Minister alleged that the Congress in Assam has increasingly embraced appeasement politics and prioritised minority representation in its candidate selection process. He claimed that Borah was the last prominent Hindu leader in the state unit who was neither an MLA nor a minister, and that his departure indicates growing dissatisfaction within the party’s traditional support base.
Sarma further stated that Borah’s resignation may not be an isolated development. According to him, more grassroots leaders and even sitting MLAs could leave the Congress in the coming days, potentially deepening political uncertainty within the party ahead of the Assembly elections.
However, the Chief Minister clarified that any move to induct leaders from Congress into the Bharatiya Janata Party would require careful planning. He cited seat-sharing calculations and the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections as factors that need strategic consideration before accommodating new entrants.
Sarma also informed that he would visit Borah’s residence on Tuesday to discuss his future political course. He said Borah had already been informed about the proposed visit and had welcomed the move. “I will go to his house tomorrow and discuss his future political thinking,” the Chief Minister told reporters.
He added that there is no confirmation yet regarding Borah joining the BJP, noting that Borah may require time and space before taking any decision.
Recalling his own political journey, Sarma mentioned that he had spent 22 years in the Congress before leaving the party, while Borah continued for another decade. “I was in Congress for 22 years and then left, but he served for 10 more years,” he said.----------
Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
