Bhupen Bora to Join BJP on February 22
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Guwahati
- Feb 17, 2026
- 526
Speculation over the political future of former Assam Congress president Bhupen Kumar Bora has ended, with his formal induction into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) scheduled for February 22.
The announcement came after Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited Bora’s residence on Tuesday evening and later addressed a joint press conference confirming the move. Bora had resigned from the Indian National Congress a day earlier, submitting his resignation to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, citing neglect by the party leadership.
Confusion Over Resignation
Despite his resignation, uncertainty lingered after Jitendra Singh, the AICC in-charge for Assam, claimed that Bora had withdrawn his resignation. Singh also revealed that senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had spoken with Bora for about 15 minutes in an attempt to persuade him to reconsider.
Bora, however, maintained that after 32 years with the Congress, he needed time to reflect before making a final decision. Senior party leaders, including Gaurav Gogoi, Pradyut Bordoloi, and Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia, visited his residence to convince him to stay. Gogoi even issued a public apology, describing Bora as a “strong pillar” of the party.
BJP’s ‘Homecoming’ Narrative
At the press conference, Sarma termed Bora’s move a “homecoming” and assured him full respect and dignity within the BJP. He criticized the Congress, alleging it no longer represents Assamese interests and lacks a genuine electoral strategy. Sarma also remarked that leaders from ordinary families often fail to gain recognition within the Congress but find opportunities in the BJP — citing his own political journey as an example.
Alongside Bora, several Congress leaders from Guwahati and North Lakhimpur are also expected to join the BJP.
Political Impact Ahead of 2026 Elections
Bora’s defection comes ahead of the 2026 Assam Assembly elections, where polling for 126 seats is expected in March–April. A two-time MLA and Assam Congress president from 2021 to 2025, Bora has been a prominent leader of the Hindu Khilanjia Assamese community.
Political observers believe his exit could significantly weaken the Congress in nearly 45 constituencies across Upper and North Assam. With Bora’s departure, the Congress is left with limited prominent Hindu Assamese leadership beyond Gogoi and Saikia, potentially affecting its influence in the Hindu-majority belt.
Sarma has indicated that Bora may contest the 2026 elections from Bihpuria or Ranganadi on a BJP ticket, further intensifying the political stakes in the state.