Guwahati: Ending days of speculation, Nagaon MP Pradyut Bordoloi on Tuesday resigned from the Indian National Congress, dealing a fresh blow to the party ahead of the upcoming Assam Assembly elections.
In a letter addressed to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Bordoloi said he was stepping down from all party positions and primary membership with an “overwhelming sense of sadness.”
“With an overwhelming sense of sadness today, I hereby tender my resignation from all posts, privileges and the primary membership of the Indian National Congress,” he wrote.
Internal rift and allegations
The resignation comes amid growing internal tensions within the Assam Congress unit. Just days earlier, Bordoloi had written to AICC in-charge for Assam Jitendra Singh, alleging humiliation and lack of support from the party leadership.
He had accused Laharighat MLA Asif Nazar of backing an individual allegedly involved in an attack on him during the 2025 panchayat elections. Bordoloi claimed that his concerns were dismissed by Uttar Pradesh MP Imran Masood, while Assam PCC chief Gaurav Gogoi remained silent.
Speaking to reporters earlier, Bordoloi said he felt “humiliated” and that the episode hurt his self-respect.
“I have been with the Congress since my school days… I have the Congress DNA in me. But this incident deeply hurt me,” he said.
Shortly before his resignation, Bordoloi said in an interview that he felt “stifled” within the party and wanted an environment where he could work freely.
“I have always prioritised the interests of Assam. If I feel restricted, I will seek a space where I can contribute better,” he said.
Speculation of BJP move
The timing of the resignation has intensified speculation that Bordoloi may join the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently said the BJP would be willing to accommodate him in the upcoming Assembly elections.
“We will definitely spare seats for him to contest,” Sarma said.
Notably, the development comes just ahead of the BJP’s Central Parliamentary Board meeting, where candidate selections are expected to be finalised.
Bordoloi’s exit adds to the troubles of the Congress in Assam. It follows recent internal dissent and leadership issues within the state unit.
The move also comes at a politically sensitive time, with elections approaching and party cohesion under strain.
Meanwhile, Bordoloi’s son, Prateek Bordoloi, is expected to contest the Margherita seat on a Congress ticket.