GUWAHATI — The Assam Congress has suffered a massive blow ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections as veteran leader and sitting Nagaon MP Pradyut Bordoloi resigned from the party to join the BJP. Often referred to as the “Shashi Tharoor of the Northeast” for his erudition, Bordoloi’s exit marks the latest in a series of high-profile defections that have severely weakened the state unit.
The “Last Straw”: Ticket to Alleged Underworld Links
Bordoloi’s resignation appears to be the result of a direct confrontation within the Congress Screening Committee, chaired by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra:
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The Conflict: Bordoloi vehemently opposed the re-nomination of Lahorighat MLA Asif Mohammad Nazar, whom he accuses of sheltering Emdadul Islam—a man charge-sheeted for a murderous attack on Bordoloi and other Congress leaders in April 2025.
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The Humiliation: Despite writing to the party leadership warning of his resignation, Bordoloi claims his concerns were “rubbished” in a New Delhi meeting attended by Gaurav Gogoi.
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The Defection: Feeling estranged and humiliated, Bordoloi has now set his sights on contesting the upcoming Assembly elections on a BJP ticket.
Priyanka Gandhi Under Scrutiny
The exit has sparked an internal debate regarding the leadership of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and state chief Bhupen Borah (who himself recently exited the party):
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Leadership Defense: Sources close to Gandhi Vadra argue her role was strictly limited to candidate selection as Chairperson of the Screening Committee.
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The “Son” Strategy: Congress leaders point out that the party had offered an Assembly ticket to Bordoloi’s son as a gesture of goodwill, though it remains unclear if he will accept it.
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Gaurav Gogoi’s Reaction: Calling the move “unfortunate,” Gogoi asserted that the party had given Bordoloi every opportunity, including his current Lok Sabha seat.
A Pattern of Collapse
The Congress, which currently holds 29 seats in the 126-member House, is struggling to explain a systematic exodus of its top brass:
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Feb 22: Departure of Bhupen Borah.
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March 5: Three MLAs defected to the BJP.
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Recent Exits: Former Working President Rana Goswami, Youth Congress President Ankita Das, and now Pradyut Bordoloi.
While the BJP continues to consolidate power under Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Congress maintains it will “put up a strong fight,” even as its organizational structure in the state appears to be crumbling weeks before the polls.
