GUWAHATI — The Assam Congress faces a severe internal crisis just ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. Senior leader and Nagaon MP Pradyut Bordoloi has issued a formal warning to the party leadership, stating he will resign if Asif Mohammad Nazar, the MLA from Lahorighat, is renominated for the upcoming polls.
The Core of the Dispute
The tension stems from a violent incident in April 2025, where Bordoloi and his associate Sibamoni Bora were allegedly attacked by an armed group in Dhing.
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Serious Allegations: Bordoloi claims that Emdadul Islam, a close associate of MLA Nazar, was the mastermind behind the assault.
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The “Hero’s Welcome”: Bordoloi expressed “pain and anguish” in a letter to AICC General Secretary Jitendra Singh, alleging that Nazar organized a celebratory reception for Islam after he secured bail.
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Leadership Silence: The MP expressed deep disappointment with Gaurav Gogoi, claiming the accused was even felicitated at Gogoi’s residence in January 2026 while Gogoi remained silent on the matter during central committee meetings.
High-Level Friction
The rift became public following a heated Central Election Committee (CEC) meeting in New Delhi on March 13:
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Rejection of Claims: Committee member Imran Masood reportedly dismissed Bordoloi’s evidence as “false and fabricated,” despite Bordoloi having raised the issue directly with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
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Dignity vs. Party: Bordoloi stated he has resubmitted all evidence to the high command, warning, “I will continue to fight to protect my dignity… [I] may be forced to leave the party if this is not addressed.”
Wider Controversy
This internal feud adds to the pressure on MLA Nazar, who was recently arrested by Dispur Police for allegedly transporting leaflets containing defamatory material against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. While some state Congress leaders, like Mira Borthakur, have defended Nazar against “unjustified police action,” Bordoloi’s ultimatum has left the high command in a difficult position regarding candidate selection.
