Former Assam Congress President Bhupen Bora joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday (22 February 2026). He had resigned from Congress a few days before the upcoming assembly elections in the state. Along with him, former Congress worker Sanju Bora also changed the party and took membership of BJP.
According to ANI, Bhupen Bora had resigned from the Congress earlier this week, although the party high command did not accept his resignation. Senior Congress leaders tried to convince him and even met him at his residence. Rahul Gandhi also talked to him. Bora had sought time to reconsider his decision, but a day later, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reached his home and announced that he would formally join the BJP on February 22.
After meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Bhupen Bora wrote on social media, ’32 years vs 32 hours – the difference is clearly visible.’ His statement is being seen as a comparison of his experiences with Congress and BJP.
#WATCH | Guwahati | On Former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah joining the BJP, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma says, “…Bhupen Kumar Borah contributed a lot in the Congress party. He served in the Congress party for 33 years. From today, he will start a new political… pic.twitter.com/LDDh349rat
— ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2026
Gaurav Gogoi’s reaction
On the matter, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President Gaurav Gogoi said that Bora’s departure will not affect the party’s prospects. He said, ‘Congress is like an ocean; We are all just drops of water in it. Congress existed even before the birth of our fathers and ancestors. Bhupen Bora’s departure will not have any impact on our prospects in the assembly elections. Assembly elections are to be held in Assam later this year. BJP is trying to retain power under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, while Congress is once again preparing to give a strong challenge.
