Senior Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) leader and former state president Bhupen Kumar Borah resigned from the party on Monday morning, February 16, citing “self-respect” and instability within the state unit. He submitted his resignation around 8 am and later addressed the media in Guwahati, stating that the decision was personal but rooted in larger organisational concerns.
The development has intensified political discussions at Rajiv Bhawan, the APCC headquarters in Guwahati, where party leaders and workers are assessing the impact of his exit at a critical juncture for the state opposition.
Bhupen Kumar Borah resigned from the Assam Congress on February 16, citing self-respect and instability within the state unit. Speaking in Guwahati after submitting his resignation at 8 am, he said the decision was personal but linked to internal functioning concerns. He confirmed he will continue in politics.
Media Address in Guwahati
Speaking to reporters after submitting his resignation, Borah said, “It is a matter of self-respect and the present instability within the state party politics.”
Referring to recent events, he added, “Sidelining me is not a matter of discussion; during the visit to Majuli, who should or who shouldn’t visit should not be decided by the party.”
He confirmed that he would wait for a response from the central leadership following his resignation.
The remarks were made shortly after his resignation became known within Guwahati’s political circles, leading to immediate reactions from party workers and observers.
Internal Differences Surface
Borah’s exit comes amid reports of internal disagreements within the Assam Congress, particularly over organisational decisions and leadership dynamics.
While he did not specify detailed incidents, his comments suggested dissatisfaction with how decisions were being handled within the state unit.
Political observers in Guwahati note that Rajiv Bhawan has been witnessing growing internal debates in recent months regarding coordination and authority within the party structure.
Response to Questions on Leadership Tensions
When asked whether senior Congress leader Rakibul Husain was linked to the party’s internal difficulties or to his resignation, Borah gave a brief response.
“Your answer is in the question itself,” he said, without naming anyone directly.
The remark has sparked speculation within Guwahati’s political community, though no formal statement has been issued by the party leadership addressing these implications.
“No Way I’ll Retire from Politics”
Borah made it clear that his political career will continue.
“There is no way I’ll retire from politics,” he stated, dismissing speculation that he may withdraw from public life.
His statement indicates that while he has stepped down from the party, his future political direction remains open.
What This Means for Guwahati Politics
As Assam’s political nerve centre, Guwahati often reflects the broader dynamics of state politics. Leadership changes or resignations within the APCC directly impact strategy discussions, alliance planning, and organisational morale in the city.
Party workers in Guwahati described the development as “unexpected” and said clarity from the central leadership would be crucial in the coming days.
What Happens Next?
At the time of reporting, there has been no official response from the Congress high command regarding Borah’s resignation.
The next steps will likely depend on whether the party accepts his resignation formally or initiates discussions for reconciliation. Political observers in Guwahati expect further developments as state and central leaders respond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Bhupen Borah resign from the Assam Congress?
He cited “self-respect” and instability within the state unit, stating that organisational functioning concerns influenced his decision.
When did he submit his resignation?
He submitted his resignation around 8 am on February 16 and later addressed the media in Guwahati.
Is Bhupen Borah retiring from politics?
No. He stated clearly that he will not retire from politics.
