Assam: AICC reassigns alliance duties to Bhupen Borah, Gaurav Gogoi relieved
Guwahati: The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has reshuffled key responsibilities within its Assam unit, relieving Deputy Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, of alliance coordination duties and entrusting the role to former Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bhupen Kumar Borah, according to reports.
The move has sparked renewed political speculation in Assam’s opposition circles, coming at a critical juncture as parties seek to form a united front against the BJP ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Party sources said Gogoi has been formally relieved of responsibilities related to alliance negotiations, with Borah now leading discussions. Raijor Dal chief and Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi remarked that “Bhupen Borah is politically more practical than Gaurav Gogoi,” a comment widely interpreted as a pointed observation on internal dynamics.
Adding to pressure on opposition unity talks, Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) president Lurinjyoti Gogoi has reportedly set a one-week deadline for clarity on alliance negotiations, expressing frustration over delays.
However, the Congress has rejected any suggestion of a rift between Gaurav Gogoi and Bhupen Borah. APCC spokesperson Reetam Singh described such claims as politically motivated.
“He (Akhil Gogoi) is being sarcastic and trying to provoke a reaction to hard bargaining in the alliance discussions. Since Bhupen Borah was previously chairperson of the committee, it is natural for him to lead the efforts,” Singh said.
Singh emphasised that Gaurav Gogoi supports decentralisation of responsibilities and collective leadership. “He wants senior leaders, including Bhupen Borah, Pradyut Bordoloi, Debabrata Saikia, Rakibul Hussain, and Mira Borthakur, to take active roles and ensure a team-based approach in the run-up to the 2026 elections,” he added.
The Congress leader also accused the BJP of attempting to manufacture an “imaginary feud” between Borah and Gogoi to destabilise opposition unity ahead of the elections.