Guwahati, Feb 16: With the 2026 Assam Assembly elections approaching, fresh political tremors have hit the state Congress after BJP MLA Biswajit Phukan predicted a large-scale exodus from the party, alleging mounting internal dissatisfaction and leadership failures.
Targeting Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi, Phukan criticised the party’s direction and claimed that it is undergoing a controversial transformation. He further alleged that under the influence of senior Congress leader Rakibul Hussain, the organisation is turning into what he described as a “Miya party.” According to Phukan, several “self-respecting” leaders within the party are likely to take decisive political steps in the coming days.
The remarks come amid a significant internal rupture within the Indian National Congress in Assam. Former Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhupen Kumar Borah has resigned from the party, sending his resignation letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and forwarding a copy to senior leader Rahul Gandhi, according to sources. Borah subsequently removed “Congress” from his social media bio, signalling a formal break with the organisation.
Borah, who led the Assam unit from 2021 to 2024 and represented the Bihpuria Assembly constituency for two consecutive terms between 2006 and 2016, reportedly criticised Rakibul Hussain, accusing him of interference in organisational matters and creating unease within the state unit. His resignation is being viewed as more than an individual departure, with observers describing it as indicative of deeper fissures within the party at a politically sensitive juncture.
Adding to the churn, sitting Congress MLA Abdul Rashid Mandal from West Goalpara is set to join Raijor Dal. Mandal has allegedly blamed Rakibul Hussain for his decision to exit the party.
Reports suggest that several other Congress legislators are also preparing to sever ties. Among those expected to resign are North Karimganj MLA Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha and Raha MLA Sashi Kanta Das. Mangaldoi MLA Basanta Das, who served as a Cabinet Minister during the tenure of former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, is also likely to quit. Bagbor MLA Sherman Ali Ahmed, South Karimganj MLA Siddique Ahmed and Barpeta MLA Abdul Rahim Ahmed are reportedly considering similar moves.
If these resignations materialise, they could significantly reduce the Congress’ legislative strength in Assam and alter the political landscape ahead of the elections.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma intensified his criticism of the Congress, accusing the party of sidelining Hindus and ordinary families in its state-level political strategy. He alleged that the party recently deputed three minority MLAs along with AICC observers during a state tour, claiming that such steps reflect a narrowing political space within the organisation.
With political realignments gathering pace, the coming weeks are likely to prove decisive for the Congress as it prepares for the 2026 electoral contest.
