Guwahati, March 17: In a major political development ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in Assam, Nagaon MP Pradyut Bordoloi resigned from the Indian National Congress on the night of March 17, marking another setback for the party within a short span following the exit of former APCC president Bhupen Kumar Borah.
Bordoloi formally submitted his resignation to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, bringing an end to his long-standing association with the party. His decision is understood to have been influenced by differences with the state leadership, particularly Assam Pradesh Congress Committee chief Gaurav Gogoi. His departure also follows the resignation of several leaders considered close to him, including former Kamrup Metro District Congress Committee president Naba Talukdar.
The timing of the move is significant as the state prepares for Assembly elections, with Bordoloi’s son, Prateek Bordoloi, currently contesting from the Margherita constituency. Sources indicated that Bordoloi may soon meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss his next political steps, although no official confirmation has been issued.
The immediate cause of the resignation appears to be a dispute over ticket allocation for the Lahorighat Assembly constituency. Bordoloi had written to AICC general secretary Jitendra Singh, expressing dissatisfaction with the internal process and opposing the likely renomination of sitting MLA Asif Mohammad Nazar. He stated that concerns he raised during a Central Election Committee meeting were dismissed, and alleged that screening committee member Imran Masood rejected his claims while Gaurav Gogoi did not respond.
Bordoloi further linked his grievances to an alleged attack on him during a political event in Doomdoomia in April 2025. He claimed that a police probe led to the arrest and chargesheet of Emdadul Islam, whom he described as a close associate of the Lahorighat MLA, and alleged that the same individual was later honoured at a party programme in Morigaon.
In his communication, Bordoloi had warned of stepping down if his concerns were overlooked and the ticket was allotted to Asif Nazar. A senior Congress leader acknowledged that his exit would impact the party, noting his role as chairman of the APCC manifesto committee and his extensive organisational experience.
A veteran in Assam politics, Bordoloi began his career during the tenure of former Chief Minister Hiteswar Saikia and later served as a cabinet minister under Tarun Gogoi, handling key portfolios between 2001 and 2015. He represented Margherita multiple times before returning to Parliament by winning the Nagaon Lok Sabha seat in 2019 and retaining it in 2024.
Political observers believe his departure could weaken the Congress in parts of Nagaon, Upper Assam and tea garden regions where he holds considerable influence. Earlier, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had indicated the possibility of Bordoloi’s exit and stated that the Bharatiya Janata Party would welcome him if he chose to join.
Speculation is mounting that Bordoloi may join the BJP and contest the upcoming elections, possibly from Margherita or Dispur, although no formal announcement has been made.
