Guwahati: In a significant political development, Assam Congress President Bhupen Borah has resigned from his position as the President of the United Opposition.
The resignation comes amidst internal disputes within the opposition regarding the Behali Legislative Assembly Constituency (LAC) in the upcoming by-elections.
Borah had advocated for the Behali seat to be left for the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) [CPIM (L)], a key ally of the Congress.
However, some Congress leaders expressed interest in contesting the seat themselves, leading to a rift within the opposition alliance.
In a letter to the General Secretary of the Assam Sonmilita Morcha (ASOM), Borah explained the series of events leading to his resignation.
He highlighted a meeting held on October 18 in Guwahati, attended by key Congress leaders, including the All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary and the Secretary in charge of Assam. During the meeting, a proposal was made to form a five-member committee to finalize the nomination for the Behali seat, which had been claimed by CPIM (L).
Despite assurances, Borah expressed frustration that the AICC had not yet accepted the committee’s recommendation. The delay created tension within the opposition alliance, with some leaders demanding an immediate decision from the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC).
With mounting pressure and unable to enforce a resolution, Borah felt it necessary to step down from his leadership role in the opposition. He noted that efforts to convince the committee to reconsider had been unsuccessful. His resignation underlines the growing discord within the opposition over seat-sharing agreements ahead of the by-elections.
Borah’s resignation is a blow to the opposition unity, especially following recent calls by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to strengthen opposition alliances during his visit to Assam and at the Northeast Congress Coordination Committee meeting in Meghalaya. Borah’s departure may complicate efforts to present a unified front in the crucial upcoming elections.
Read More: Nagaland Band Fifth Note Wins Big at 2024 Ticket to Hornbill Competition